Judith (Judy) Fredricks Santos

Judith (Judy) Fredricks Santos, 76, of Mount Pleasant entered into eternal life Saturday, March 5, 2016 after an extended illness. Friends and relatives of Judy are invited to attend her Rite of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 9, at 11:00 am at Christ Our King Catholic Church, 1149 Russell Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at J. HENRY STUHR, INC MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Recitation of The Holy Rosary will take place at 4:30 pm for any who would like to participate.

Judy was born December 13, 1939 in Somers Point, New Jersey to the late Barron Fredricks and the late Cathleen Beattie Fredricks. Judy spent most of her formative years in Washington, DC where she attended Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School and Trinity College. While at Trinity, Judy studied education, and soon after graduation, she and some close friends who were also teachers moved to Charleston as "Catholic Missionaries" to teach in Diocesan schools.

Once in Charleston, Judy pursued her calling to educate youth who were attending Christ Our King School in Mount Pleasant. Not long after her arrival, she met Jack Santos and they were married on April 27th, 1963. Their first child arrived in March of 1964, and Judy gave up her teaching career to become a full time homemaker. Over the course of 18 years, Judy gave birth to 6 children in all. In her role as "Mom", Judy provided an environment of love, support, discipline, and sacrifice as she raised her children. Judy constantly gave selflessly to her family as a teacher, chef, nurse and chauffeur to the countless games and activities in which her children participated. Judy taught her children to be self-reliant, to always be mindful of those who were less fortunate, and to be thankful for the many blessings which God had provided. Judy was also a loving Grandmother to twelve grandchildren, and she was very proud and involved with each of their lives.

Judy was a devoted wife and companion to Jack. Their love was a beautiful example of the Sacrament of Marriage, and they celebrated their 51st Wedding Anniversary together prior to Jack's passing in November of 2014. Together with Jack, Judy lived by the three tenants Faith, Family and Friends. They sacrificed to send their children to Parochial school from kindergarten through Bishop England High School. Judy was always very generous with her time and talents, and gave both freely to the schools and to Christ Our King Church. They attended daily mass for years until Jack's health began to decline.

Judy had many friends, and she always made time to provide a listening ear, a homemade dish, or a word of support to any in need. Some of Judy's closest friends referred to her as a "steel magnolia". The nickname referred to her beauty on the outside and her strength and steely resolve on the inside. This combination was apparent through all of her life, but never more so than during her illness. Even during the worst days, Judy never complained and only worried if she was a burden to those caring for her.

Judy is survived by three sons, John J (Julie) Santos, Jr; Michael B (Andrea) Santos, and David F (Ashley) Santos, all of Mount Pleasant, SC; two daughters, Julie S (Kevin) Christy and Kate S (Andy) Seay, both of Mount Pleasant, SC; one sister, Claire Fray (Jack) of Fairfield, CT; and twelve grandchildren, Joseph, Patrick, Sarah, Meagan, Coleman, Sean, Catherine, Bryce, Anna Kate, Vivian, Rowan, and Jack. She was preceded in death by a son, Bruce William, and her loving husband, Jack.

Judy supported many different charities in her life, so the family would ask that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Judy's name to The National Kidney Foundation, 508 Hampton St., Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29201, Christ Our King Stella Maris School, 1183 Russell Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464, or to a charity of choice.