Judith Bennett

Judith Bennett passed away unexpectedly Saturday, September 22, 2012 with her beloved brother Doug and cousin Todd by her side. Judy was born December 15, 1946 in Holland, MI to Russell and Virginia Bennett. She graduated from West Ottawa High School and Western Michigan University with a BS in Education and MA in Counseling. Judy taught in the Douglas School District. She was a 5th grade teacher and counselor in the Paw Paw School District for more than 30 years, (ED memberships) National Certified Counselor.

She served on the Board of Directors of the original Kalamazoo Woman’s Festival, was a member of Kalamazoo Network, an active volunteer with the Kalamazoo Civic Theater and Miller Auditorium. Judy lived life to the fullest. She was an avid traveler, bus, boat, plane, train and automobile, it did not matter, she was packed and ready to go with family and friends, always making new friends along the way. Judy loved Northern Michigan and spent endless hours with her brothers and friends at Houghton Lake, fishing, boating or just exploring the vista and venues of this beautiful area. In her retirement she took up jewelry making, and the craft show circuit. As with everything in life she did it with joy and gusto. Judy was the consummate teacher, she loved it, the world was her classroom and “family and friendship” was her best subject. She excelled at being a teacher, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. Judy will be remembered as a woman with a thirst for knowledge, an endless spirit of giving and great capacity to love.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her brother Douglas Bennett and his partner Karen Walton and their Brittanie’s Jammer and Barney. Numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins and a family of friends.

A funeral service will be 12:00 PM, noon, Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Northwood Chapel – Dykstra Funeral Homes 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-4 PM & 7-9 PM, Friday, September 28, 2012 at Northwood Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Michigan Chapter of A.L.S. Association, 24359 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48075-6801.

To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com