Judy Ann Day

Judy Day passed away on May 3 at the age of 90 (though she did not believe she was “that old”).

Judy was born on 4/15/36, in Kalamazoo, MI to the late Gil and Louise Hays.

In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her brother/hero Bill, her husband (the love of her life), Charles Day, her daughter, Darci, and her sons, Gord and Scott. She is survived by her daughter, Lori.

She is also survived by her many grandchildren (12) who she poured so much love into over the years, as well as many amazing great grandchildren. Family was important to her and she considered herself blessed.

Judy was the secretary of Rapid City Elementary School for many years. In that time she took many students under her wing if she felt they needed a little extra love. Getting in trouble at Rapid City Elementary School meant that you got to go to the office and hang out with Mrs. Day. Not much of a punishment. She was a second Mom to friends of her kids and as such she doled out both love and advice when needed ..and food…lots of food, especially cookies.

Water was her favorite element and she loved to pack all of the kids in her Scout and head to a lake. Many hours were spent practicing synchronized swimming routines or perfecting belly flops. If a kid did not know how to swim she would teach them. She had everyone doing underwater somersaults by the end of the first swimming lesson. That love of water continued long after the kids all grew up. She went to water aerobics 3 days a week for many years. She had a tight knit group of fellow water friends who continued to stay in touch with her when she no longer attended classes. Judy was a “friend magnet". Mostly because she was a friend to so many. It didn’t hurt that she was pretty hilarious and dangerously sarcastic (in a good way). She was fun to be around and in spite of the many devastating losses in her life, she maintained a positive, loving attitude. She will be missed.

It is important that special acknowledgment be shared with the loving staff at Kalkaska Memorial Assisted Living. They were amazing and I know that Judy truly felt their love and care. They would tell you that right up to the end she shared her dicey sense of humor and her laughter. Her hospice caregivers were also amazing. She felt pampered and cared for. Which is exactly what she deserved to feel.

There will be a gathering of friends and family on May 30th from 2-3:30, at Mortensen Funeral Homes, in Bellaire, MI.

Rather than sending flowers please consider donating to the Scott Day Memorial Scholarship https://www.gtrcf.org/give/our-funds.html/250/

(Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation-search for Scott Day Memorial Scholarship)

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com