Judith Kubina 1941-2026

Judy’s journey began in 1941, the eldest of four siblings: Kathy (Zareva) Gbur, Paulette (Zareva) Lauderback, John Zareva, and Diane Zareva.

She faced hardship early in life when her father died tragically at just 37 years old. Judy and Kathy were later adopted by Luis and Florence Fernandez, two beautiful humans whose unconditional love and steady hands shaped the woman Judy would become. From small things, momentous things can grow, and the kindness the Fernandez family planted in Judy’s heart would bloom across an entire lifetime.

After high school, Judy fell in love with Richard (Rick) Kubina, and they married and built a life together that was nothing short of the American Dream. They went on to have four children, Chris, Rick (Sheri), Jenn, and Amy, who absolutely adored their mother. Judy lived in Austintown and later Canfield for much of her life, where she was the heart and center of her family.

She doted on her children, attended every sporting event, prepared wonderful meals, vacationed with them at Myrtle Beach and created a home that was always bustling with the business of life. While the family lived modestly, they never wanted for anything, because Judy made sure love was the currency that mattered most.

Judy spent many years as a devoted homemaker. Then, in remarkable fashion, she decided to go back to college in her early 50s and become a nurse, a decision that revealed the depth of her character. She demonstrated resolve and dedication, embracing a career where she could showcase her most extraordinary traits: compassion, service, and kindness. It was a reminder of what the hands and minds of determined people can achieve.

Judy and Rick shared an amazing life together, and they both loved to socialize. For years, they were avid bowlers, enjoyed Bingo, attended supper club with a close group of dear friends, and took frequent trips to Las Vegas, where they would gamble, enjoy the entertainment, and savor the wonderful buffets. Through the hard work and the trials of a life well lived, Judy always found time to remain grounded and to support and love her family. The family would also like to recognize Lisa Love, who cared for Judy during the last year of her life and became an extension of the family.

The lessons that Judy imparted to her children are too great for this short tribute to her life. However, those lessons will live on carried forward by her children, and her beloved grandchildren, Shereen (Chris), Justin, Dylan (Justin), Alexis, Leif, Adanna, and Weston, and by her cherished great-grandchildren, whom she was able to hold and love dearly: Nora, Anna, Drew, and Rowan. Her perpetual legacy is written not in words but in the lives she shaped and the love she gave so freely.

Judy demonstrated that a life well lived can be had and enjoyed by anyone willing to have character, to put in the work, and to love without reservation. Her life was proof that there is elegance in simplicity, and that the true measure of a life is found in the hearts it has touched.

Enjoy the blessings you have while you have them, that is how Judy lived, and that is the gift she leaves behind.

She will be desperately missed but never forgotten by all who knew her.

With great affection, her loving family.

Funeral services will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the Lane Funeral Home Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown.

Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Judy will be laid to rest with her beloved husband in the Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

The obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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