Judith "Judy" Ann Green

Born on July 7, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, Judy's life was marked by her infectious zest for life and the deep love she harbored for her family and friends.

Judy graduated from Redford High School before earning a BA in English with a minor in speech and an MA in Adult and Continuing Education from Michigan State University. She was a passionate educator who began her teaching career in the 1960s, teaching high school English. Judy later found her calling working with the elderly. She was particularly proud of her role at Lansing Community College, where she taught Introduction to Human Aging, coordinated programs for the Older Wiser Learners, and wrote a monthly newspaper article for the Lansing State Journal titled "Positive-ly Aging." Judy was a longtime volunteer at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. She served as the President of the Women's Board of Managers for 2 years and held several other volunteer positions with Sparrow Hospital.

Her personal life was equally fulfilling. Judy was a longtime member of the Okemos Community Church. She shared over 20 wonderful years with her husband and best friend, Ron, traveling extensively through Europe and enjoying their favorite retreats in Petoskey, Michigan, and Hilton Head Island, S.C. Judy was an avid gardener, reader, and theater-goer, frequently attending productions at The Wharton Center on MSU's campus. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed organizing weekly gatherings for close friends. Judy's grandchildren brought her so much happiness. She beamed with pride at all their accomplishments and loved each one of them as only a grandmother could.

Judy is survived by her loving husband, Ron Welch; daughters, Kelly Thomas (Rick) and Cory Emery (Jason); stepdaughters, Robin Miner-Swartz (Betsy) and Tracy Welch; and grandchildren, Edie, Eloise and Everett Emery, and Lynsey and Violet Thomas. She was preceded in death by her mother, Olive Florence Kelly; her father, Philas Joseph Kelly; and son, Jeffery Beachneau-Hood. Judy also had a special love for her granddogs, Izzy and Willow.

A funeral service for Judy will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 12:00 PM, with a two-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Rd., Okemos, MI 48864.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Judy's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Judy's legacy of joy, education, and love will live on through the many lives she touched. Her laughter and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.