Shirley Jean Judd

Shirley Jean (Peterkort) Judd, 83, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved above all else. She was born on July 9, 1942, in Portland, Oregon, to Joseph Jr. and Gladys (Bauer) Peterkort.

Shirley grew up working in her family’s rose greenhouse business, carefully grading roses and later helping in the office—early signs of the precision, work ethic, and quiet strength that would define her life. She graduated from Portland Union Academy in 1960 and went on to earn a degree in Secretarial Science from Walla Walla College in 1964, becoming the first member of her family to graduate from college.

While at Walla Walla, she met the love of her life, Bill Judd. Their first date was a bowling outing—Shirley won, a fact Bill lovingly remembered for the rest of their marriage. They were married on September 10, 1964, at Mt. Tabor Seventh-day Adventist Church, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, teamwork, and deep mutual respect.

Shirley worked in a variety of office roles throughout her life, ultimately finishing her career at The Village Retirement Center, where she handled accounting tasks with her trademark organization and reliability. She was a longtime member of the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church.

A lifelong supporter of Portland Adventist Academy, Shirley was one of the Cougars’ biggest fans. She stood behind the athletic program from the moment Bill became Athletic Director and helped build the foundation of what it would become. She cheered faithfully as her children, Lance and Devi, played sports through high school, then again as Lance stepped into the Athletic Director role and her son in law Kevin coached. Her greatest joy came later, watching her grandchildren play for the same school she once attended, completing a beautiful family legacy.

Shirley loved chocolate—truly loved it—and always had a generous supply of candy ready to share. She enjoyed cross stitching, especially for her grandchildren; each year, as long as she was able, she made them a handmade Christmas ornament. She was also the unofficial photographer at countless youth sporting events, capturing memories for families across the community.

Though quiet by nature, Shirley was the steady heart of her family. Her deep faith in Jesus shaped the way she lived and loved. She was organized to an impressive degree—always knowing exactly where everything belonged, even in recent years when she could no longer put things away herself. Her life was defined by loyalty, humility, and unwavering love. She never sought the spotlight, but she illuminated every room simply by being in it.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Portland Adventist Academy Cougar Athletic Department, a cause that meant the world to her.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bill Judd; her children Lance and Gail Judd and Devi and Kevin Petersen; her grandchildren Josie Petersen, Braden Judd, Kort Petersen, Kelsey Judd, Dari Judd, and Dane Petersen; her sister Sally Jorgenson; and her nephew Jeff Jorgenson.

Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the students and athletes she supported, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness.

A Chapel Memorial service will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Sunnyside SDA Church, located at 10501 SE Market St Portland, OR 97216.