Judy Jones

In the midst of suffering, Judy Jones found faith to give her strength, family who stood by her side with unending love, and friends who offered unconditional support and prayer. An exuberant woman full of zest for life, Judy took the good with the bad, and made the most of it. May her loving memory give others strength when the hill seems too hard to climb, but most importantly, may her love remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Although the 1940s were clearly defined by World War II, the year 1940 found many Americans on the edge of their seats. With the United States inevitable involvement in the war, it was indeed a time of sacrifice for the nation, and little alternative in the face of what was to come. At the same time, there were also many things that made hearts glad during this time in history. Glenn Miller introduced numerous dance tune hits, and a variety of stars lit up movie screens. Bugs Bunny made his debut, and the beginning of a fast-food empire, McDonald's opened in California. The year also had great significance in the lives of Frank and Virginia Mesunas of Grand Rapids, Michigan when on May 28 they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Judith Ann.

Born at home on Butterworth Street, she was the youngest of the Mesunas two daughters. She grew up alongside her older sister, Barbara, but Judith was quite the tomboy right from the start. Once she even broke both of her pinky fingers while catching a baseball, but never told her father because she had been playing with the boys. Devout in their faith, Judith and her family were members of the Basilica of St. Adalbert Catholic Church where she received her holy sacraments. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Catholic Central High School.

After working for a short time at Uptown Cleaners, Judy soon was hired at AT&T. For 31 years she worked there as a long distance operator and made many good friends along the way. It was simply in Judy's nature to make friends easily, no matter where she went.

Her outgoing and fun-loving spirit was evident in all she did, and it really paid off one day after attending a wedding. She and a girlfriend were all dressed up, walking along on their way home when they caught the eye of two fellows driving by. After meeting, James Jones quickly stole Judy's heart. One thing led to another, and after a whirlwind romance, they found themselves deeply in love. Their blessed union of marriage was celebrated at St. Adalberts on May 5, 1962 which marked the beginning of the rest of their days together.

Judy was in her element when she became a mother. Although she continued to work, she made sure it didn't take away from her motherly duties and the desire to be involved in her daughter's lives. She usually worked second shift, which allowed her to care for her girls during the day while her husband looked after them at night. Her daughters brought Judy the greatest joy. She served as a room mother at their school and was a lunch lady there for a time, too. They loved having her along on their class field trips, and she loved being able to share these times with them. They got much use out of their trailer, enjoying times shared on weekend camping trips, most often to the Ludington area.

Shortly after her youngest daughter was born, Judy was diagnosed with polymyositis, a relatively uncommon inflammatory disease that caused her to have muscle weakness, swelling, and tenderness. It would eventually lead to muscle damage, and cause great pain. The doctor instructed her to be as active as possible, because eventually she would lose mobility.

And Judy did just what the doctor ordered. She became very active by playing tennis three times a week and extensive traveling with a club. A few times each week she bowled, and played golf for a while, as well. She remained positive and made the most of life with her family and many friends by her side. She and Jim enjoyed getting together with friends and family to play cards, and she even taught her daughter to play canasta at the age of eight.

Despite her escalating health problems, Judy remained very outgoing. She was able to retire at the age of 50, and the extra time provided the opportunity to spend more time with friends and be all the more active, especially going out for lunch. Judy had quite the sweet tooth, particularly for hot fudge sundaes, her all-time favorite. She enjoyed going to the casinos to gamble, and it never mattered where she and Jim were, Judy was sure to run into someone she knew.

When Judy's daughter, Lori passed away at the young age of 32, it was a devastating time for her. Although her ailments from the disease was gaining ground, Judy pressed on and did what any loving mother would do. She traveled to Virginia to be with her daughter's family, remaining there for the following six months to care for her seven year old grandson.

In time various other health issues began plaguing Judy. She had a variety of problems, most of which stemmed from the underlying disease. Her mobility was compromised to the point where she was primarily confined to her home, especially the last five years. Her husband, Jim took good, loving care of her over the last several years as she endured a downhill spiral. Even so, Judy did not lose hope or her zest for life. She for one knew the difference between living life and living through life. Her faith gave her strength during the worst of times. She was a longtime member of Saints Peter and Paul Parish and faithfully attended several services a week. Whenever dishes were needed for luncheons, Judy never hesitated to offer. She was very involved in the prayer line at church and faithfully prayed for those in need.

As a young mother, Judy faced the greatest of challenges. Her strength, determination and positive demeanor was an inspiration to those who knew and loved her. She bore the pain, and suffered greatly through the last years of her life, but through God's promises, she is once again whole and healthy. At the age of 71, Judy quietly passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2011. Even as we rejoice that her suffering has come to an end, we also celebrate the life of a woman whose strength was beyond compare. Judy will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Judy was preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Gilliland and by her sister, Barbara Kosla. She is survived by Jim, her husband of 49 years; their daughter and sons-in-law, Amy and Ralph Kendall, and Paul Gilliland; grandson, Eric Gilliland; many friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 16, 2011, 10:00 AM at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Quarry and Myrtle NW. Family and friends can meet with her family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW on Wednesday, 7-9 PM, Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM and at church one hour prior to the Mass. The Rosary will be recited Thursday at 8:30 PM. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Saints Peter and Paul Church. To share a favorite memory, photo and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.