Judith L. Marvin-Peterson

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Judith Marvin-Peterson, it is clear to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She poured her heart and soul into all that she did, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Nothing brought Judy greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. Her faith formed the unshakeable foundation of all that she did. Dearly loved, Judy’s memory will be forever cherished by those who knew her best.

In the late 1940s, the United States of America was at last making the shift from a nation of war to a nation of peace following the turmoil of WWII. Families were reunited, rationing was no longer in place, and the baby boom was underway. It was during this exciting time Harley and Dorothy (Brown) Marvin of Hart, Michigan, were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their firstborn. On March 30, 1947, their wait was over, and they welcomed their daughter, Judith Louanne, into the world.

Growing up, Judy was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home alongside her two younger sisters, Janice and Pauletta. At a young age, Judy discovered her love for reading. She especially enjoyed reading her Bible, as well as books by C.S. Lewis and Louisa May Alcott. Judy liked riding her bike around town and on Mackinac Island. She attended local schools and was an excellent, hardworking student, earning membership of the Student Honor Society. Judy had a deep passion for music, and she played both the piano and the bass clarinet. She won many awards playing bass clarinet, and she would also accompany her friends on piano. Judy graduated from Hart High School in 1965. That same year, she also won the Miss Oceana Pageant. Judy then pursued further education at North Park School of Nursing and graduated with a degree in Science and Registered Nursing in 1970.

All who knew Judy can surely agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She and Gordy were overjoyed to welcome their two beloved sons, Tad and Philip, into their hearts and home. Judy thrived in her role as a mother. She and Gordy raised their sons with guidance and discipline, but they were not strict, and Judy built very solid relationships with Tad and Philip. Her boys were her pride and joy. Later in life, Judy was thrilled to become a grandmother to Alex and Madilyn and even a great-grandmother to Koda. She always considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Judy was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for herself and those who depended on her. While she and her family were living in Wisconsin, she began her career by working in an ophthalmologist’s office. Judy then took a position as a nurse for the Stockbridge Reservation and the Menominee Reservation. She later worked at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Judy truly loved caring for others, and her career gave her countless opportunities to serve.

Never one to sit still for long, Judy pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She enjoyed sewing and was a very skilled seamstress of all patterns. Judy was an amazing cook, and she liked to use fresh vegetables from her garden whenever she could. Her favorite recipe was gazpacho soup with corn bread. Judy also enjoyed baking pies, and she loved any kind of dessert or chocolate. She liked decorating and was a great gift wrapper. Judy and her family were active members of the Methodist Church in Hart. The family took many memorable trips to Silver Lake in the summers. Judy loved caring for her treasured pets, which she lovingly referred to as her “fur babies.”

As family and friends can certainly attest, Judith Marvin-Peterson truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted mother and grandmother, Judy was a friend to many and beloved by all. She was a humble servant to others, and her insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, Judy leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Judith Louanne Marvin-Peterson age 77, of Grand Rapids, was met by angels who carried her to her eternal home on May 9, 2024. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Dorothy Marvin; uncle, Earl Marvin; and her fur baby, Kia. Judy is survived by her two beautiful sons, Tad (Jenny Szejda) Peterson and Philip (Caralyn) Peterson; grandchildren, Alex and Madilyn and great-grandchild, Koda. Also surviving are her sisters, Janice Telman and Pauletta (Bob) Cornell; several nieces and nephews and her fur babies, Roxy and Ledger. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, June 23rd from 2-4 PM at 2417 Greenings Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Contributions in her memory may be made to West Michigan Humane Society. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to submit a favorite photo, memory or to sign the guestbook.