Born on December 27, 1943, in Mansfield, Judy was the beloved daughter of the late Paul F. Friend and Pearl E. (Jacobs) Friend. A proud member of the Mansfield community throughout her life, Judy was known for her strong work ethic, generous spirit, and unwavering loyalty to those she loved. She graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1961.
She dedicated 22 years of service as a driver for UPS, earning the respect of her colleagues and the appreciation of countless customers along her routes. Judy was a woman of quiet strength and steady kindness, who found joy in simple acts of connection and community.
Judy was a proud member of several local organizations, including the Daughters of Herman, the VFW Auxiliary 9943, and the Moose Auxiliary, where she forged friendships during her retirement and gave back to causes close to her heart. Judy also enjoyed riding her Can-Am and gardening.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Pearl (Jacobs) Friend; brothers, Larry A. Friend and Dale E. Friend; sister, Wanda M. Myer; brother-in-law, Robert Myer; aunt, Helen Adkins; special friend, Bill Stewart; and her beloved pets, Cindy and Peanuts.
Judy is survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Friend of Shelby, OH; nephews, Michael Myer of Plano, TX, Darin Friend (Eileen) of Shelby, OH, and Chad Friend (Tracy) of Shelby, OH; niece, Patti Kiser of Mansfield, OH; special cousins, Jim Adkins (Patty) of Mansfield, OH and Bob (Genia) Friend of Lisbon, OH; special friends, Cathy ‘Cate’ Grupe and family and the Bill Stewart family, along with many other cherished cousins and friends.
The family would like to give special recognition and thanks to Liberty Nursing Center as well as to Lisa Marks of Catholic Charities for their loving care and support.
Private services will be held for Judy. She will be laid to rest at Mansfield Memorial Park in Ontario, OH.
Memorial contributions in Judy’s name can be made to the Humane Society of Richland County 3025 Park Ave W, Ontario, OH 44906.
Wappner Funeral Directors Mansfield is honored to serve the Friend family during this time.
