The oldest University of Wisconsin-Madison liver transplant recipient Judith Heidelberger (nee Werble) died March 2, 16 years after her surgery. She was 81.
At the time of her surgery in 1986 she became the second oldest liver transplant patient in the country.
She was born in Kaiser, W.Va., and grew up in Washington, D.C., where she graduated from Wilson’s Teacher’s College. She married Charles Heidelberger in 1946, and they moved to Madison in 1948. She worked for many years as an administrative assistant to the dean of the University of Wisconsin Graduate School.
A member of Temple Beth El, she enjoyed nature and wildlife and volunteered at the university’s Arboretum.
She is survived by daughters Nina (Harry) Rosefelt of St. Paul, Minn., and Lisa (Rabbi Yaakov) Kellman of Albany, N.Y.; son Philip (Ellen) Heidelberger of Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.; sister Beatrice Werble; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her former husband.
Her son-in-law, Rabbi Kellman, officiated at graveside services at Forest Hill Cemetery on March 4.
The family suggested memorials to the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Donor Education Fund, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, 53792.
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