Shirley Judd

Those who knew and loved Shirley Judd have so many precious memories that will never be forgotten. The common threads throughout her life’s journey were her selfless deeds, her strength of mind and her compassionate spirit, but it was her unwavering devotion to her family that set her apart for all the rest. Shirley was a woman of deep values and it was evident by the life she lived that she fully embraced being a mother was truly a matter of the heart. Becoming a grandmother was simply the icing on the cake and one of life’s greatest gifts. Shirley was dedicated to caring for her children and grandchildren who have now become her greatest legacy.

The 1930s were defined by the most challenging trials our nation witnessed as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardships of the Great Depression. The American spirit, however, remained alive and people found joy wherever they could. It was in this spirit that a couple from Beulah, Michigan was delighted with the birth of their beautiful baby girl on April 3, 1938. Shirley Lee was one of six children born to her parents, George and Ida (Andrews) Harris, and was raised on their family farm alongside her siblings, Walter, George, Mary, Paul and Joe (who died as an infant). Shirley enjoyed growing up on the farm, even though it came with much responsibility and daily chores inside and outside the house. They had lots of family living nearby so Shirley had many cousins for playmates. Her childhood was also marked by great sorrow when her mother passed away when Shirley was just 5; her father later remarried.

Shirley was a good student in the Benzie County Schools, and after graduating in 1956, she moved to Grand Rapids and attended Davenport College, taking secretarial classes. She then found work in downtown Grand Rapids at Michigan National Bank, but eventually left for a job at Old Kent Bank. It was during this time that Shirley was introduced to Eugene Judd through some mutual friends, and they were later married on September 9, 1961, in the Basilica of St. Adalbert. Soon, their home on the west side of Grand Rapids was filled with the joy and busyness of three wonderful children, Marsha, Paul and Kevin. It was easy to see that Shirley was devoted to her children, and was active in their lives. From school activities and PTA meetings to the scouts, she volunteered wherever she could to make things better for her children. Family was always Shirley’s first priority, so it was only natural that they went back to Beulah every summer to visit her relatives. They always took another week though to seek out someplace new and adventurous to explore together. Shirley wanted to give her children so much more out of life, and worked hard and sacrificed every day to provide that. When her kids were little, she stayed home to care for them, but eventually returned to the workforce as a bookkeeper for Spring Air Mattress Company. Shirley enjoyed her job and her co-workers much more than she ever let on. She eventually worked her way up to Office Manager, and was devoted to her job until retiring after 35 years.

Between work and her children, Shirley didn’t really have much time for hobbies. However, when Shirley was blessed with nine grandchildren, Megan, David, Karen, Emily, Eric, Theresa, Brandon, Logan and Sean, they became her “hobby.” She adored her grandchildren, and poured the same amount of love into these relationships as she did with her own children. Shirley enjoyed babysitting when she was needed, supporting her grandkids in all their activities, and simply talking with them to find out what is going on in their lives. She wanted her hard work and dedication to give them a bright and better future too. Christmas was a wonderful time for the family to come all together, and Shirley made her fabulous prime rib dinner for everyone to enjoy. In her retirement years, she enjoyed walking and was usually accompanied by one of her four-legged companions. Very independent, Shirley took great pride in making her house on Emerson NW a home for all who came to visit, especially since it was the first home she owned herself. Sadly, a few years ago, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and soon left her home to get additional care, living at St. Ann’s Home. Then, in the beginning of this year, Shirley was diagnosed with cancer, and passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at the age of 76.

For Shirley, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. She embraced the love of her family above all else and spent a lifetime making precious memories which will be forever etched in the hearts of all those she leaves behind.

Shirley is survived by her children (and grandchildren): Marsha & Dave Schmuker (Megan and David Schmuker), Paul & Patty Judd (Karen, Emily, Eric and Theresa), Kevin & Leanne Judd (Brandon, Logan and Sean); brothers and sister, George & Susan Harris, Mary Hanson, Paul & Janet Harris; and several nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, and her brothers, Walter and Joe.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 18, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Friends are invited to visit with her family on Thursday, July 17, from 2-4 and 7- 9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, where the Rosary will be prayed beginning at 8:30 p.m. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either St. Anthony of Padua or St. Ann's Home are appreciated. To read more about Shirley's life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com.