Judy Ann Smith

Our beautiful mother, Judy Ann Smith, age 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She was born on April 22, 1950, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Judy was adopted at just under a year old by Thomas and Mabel (Kronquist) Manse. Judy grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Loretto Catholic Central High School. She attended St Mary’s School of Cosmetology and worked in several northern Michigan communities including the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. During Judy’s teen years, she worked for her father at the Valley Camp, giving tours of the ship. She often traveled with him as he took photographs of ships that he used in his book, “Know Your Ship.” In 1972, Judy gave birth to her first child, Todd. In 1974, she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, with her husband and gave birth to her daughter, Shanyn. She returned to Sault Ste. Marie in 1977, and that was the beginning of her fifty-five-year career making Sault Ste. Marie beautiful! Judy worked at a few beauty shops including Marilyn’s Beauty Salon, Looking Glass, and Le Salon. She moved to Florida for a year before coming home to take care of her dad who had become ill. Judy then opened her own beauty salon “Judy and Company” and continued working until June of 2024. Judy was considered a magician when it came to hair; she made sure her customers were happy when they left her, always using the finest quality and earth-friendly products. Judy had a passion for nutrition and enjoyed talking nutrition, politics, and making her clients laugh while in her chair. For many years, Judy also went to the local nursing homes and styled the residents' hair so they could still feel beautiful. Judy was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a Cub Scout-Den Mother, and a treasurer and delegate for the Chippewa County Republican Party for many years. Judy was a meticulous seamstress; she did many alterations for years and enjoyed sewing her children's clothes when they were young. She was a natural caregiver, always helping someone in need. She enjoyed putting her class reunion parties together - her classmates considered her the glue that kept the class together. Judy was fond of her Tuesday night bible studies and spending time with her loved ones. She was a giver; she went above and beyond to help those in need and donated to many charities and her time to help those who needed it most. She enjoyed traveling the country and visiting her children and grandchildren and they looked forward to her visits. Judy is survived by her son, Todd (Kimberly) Ruelle of Fon du lac, Wisconsin; daughter, Shanyn Aldridge of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Taylor and Morgan Ruelle, Hunter (Grace), Cody, Chase Aldridge; and sister, Cindy Manse of Brimley, Michigan. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Mable; and nephew, Jeffery Sharp. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 377 Maple St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Mass will begin at 11:00 AM with a luncheon to follow at the Knight of Columbus Hall, 2755 Ashmun St. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or St. Mary’s Catholic School, 360 Maple St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Judy’s final resting place will be at the Oaklawn Chapel Gardens, in Bruce Township, Michigan, in the Spring of 2025. Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com. Obituary as submitted by family.

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Judy Ann Smith

April 22, 1950 - January 16, 2025