May 12, 1938 – March 21, 2019
Devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt & friend passed away on March 21, 2019, with her loved ones by her side.
Judy was born on May 12, 1938 in Detroit, MI, the first of three children born to George & Katherine Steverlynck. She is survived by her two loving brothers, Michael (Marsha) Steverlynck & Craig (Diane) Steverlynck; her sister-in-law, Maria (Bob) Stabnau; and many nieces and nephews she cherished.
In 1957, Judy married John Lenart and had four children: Lori (Chris) Riley, Kim (Steve – preceded in death) Miserocchi, Mark (Linda) Lenart and Lisa (Ed) Cynowa. In 1967, she married Anthony Minichelli and had Suzie (John) Wallace. In 1981, she married her soul mate of 34 years, Doug Thorp, who passed away in 2015.
Judy is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Kristy Marcella (preceded in death), Bryan Riley, Shane (Jessica) Riley, Ashley (Anthony) D’Agostino, Jacklin (Jeremy) Johnson, Amanda Wallace, Joshua Wallace, John Cynowa & Michael Cynowa, and nine great-grandchildren.
By far Judy’s greatest joy and passion in life were children. Her love for babies was undeniable and she could often be found smiling and holding a child, even those of complete strangers. She beamed with love and pride when talking about her children and grandchildren and felt very blessed by the legacy she had helped to create. Judy was known as “Mom” to her children’s friends and “Grandma Judy” to any child who met her. She had a way of making someone feel very loved and valued.
Judy’s heart was enormous. Her purpose in life was that of spreading love and helping others. Her door was always open to strangers and once inside, they became family. She greeted everyone with a smile & a kiss. Her children were allowed to bring every stray dog home for food and shelter. If she learned of anyone being alone on Christmas Eve, they were invited to her open house to share the love and warmth of family. Having lived on a busy street off of a main road, Judy witnessed numerous car accidents from her kitchen window. She was always the first responder to the scene with her kitchen towel for wounds and her loving heart for comfort. She was one of the original Victim Advocates for the Madison Heights Police Department and was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the city. Judy was most happy and felt closest to God when she was helping others.
Strong in her faith and love of God, this angel who walked the earth, is now an angel in God’s arms. Judy’s family is very grateful to those who loved her and helped her throughout her life. Visitation: Wednesday, March 27, 2019, 3:00-9:00pm Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071. Church Service: Thursday, March 28, 2019, 10:30 am in state, 11:00 am Mass @ Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 581 E. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson, MI 48017.
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