Julie Judd

Julie Judd, age 82, passed away unexpectedly on December 15, 2025 in Holland, Michigan. Born on March 15, 1943, to Charles and Esther Bird, Julie grew up in Worthington, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Physical Therapy degree from The Ohio State University in 1965 and later received a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Michigan in 1968. Julie taught at the University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s Hospital and was a certified physical therapist, completing her career at Holland Hospital.

Married in Worthington, OH, in 1970, Julie and Don, lived in Holland, Michigan for more than fifty years, where they raised two children, shared time with both sets of their parents, and were members of the First Presbyterian Church. Julie loved to sail. She and Don enjoyed many summer days sailing on Lake Michigan. In her late fifties, she took up swimming for fitness, working up to five miles per week, a routine she continued until her death.

Julie had a sense of adventure and a love for the outdoors that often took her off the beaten path. She traveled to Antarctica with her father, and she and Don hiked extensively in National Parks in the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand. The two of them also went on a safari in Kenya, and several times she competed in the American Birkebeiner, a cross country ski marathon.

Julie was a much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, cousin, and dear friend. She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Dr. Don Judd; her daughter, Kristin Judd; her son and daughter-in-law, Erik and Jill Judd; her granddaughter, Rachel Judd; and her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Ric Brown.

A memorial service for Julie will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holland Aquatic Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, or UNICEF.