Judy Westover, 82, of Marysville, Wa. passed away on April 10, 2024, after a long battle with lung cancer. Judy was a beloved mother, wife, daughter, aunt and friend to many and will be deeply missed. She embraced life to the fullest and made it her life’s work to care for others.
Judy was born on September 24, 1941, to Edith and Robert Koehler in Everett, Wa. After Judy graduated from Everett High school in 1959, she went on to study at Steven’s College in St. Louis, followed by working at a travel agency in Everett Wa. It is at the travel agency that Judy met Neil, and their love story began. She worked there for several years, before leaving the travel industry to attend Western Washington University in order to obtain her teaching certificate. After WWU, Judy began working as a middle school teacher at Olympic View Middle School in Mukilteo Wa. In 1965, Judy and Neil were married and went on to have one child, Susan, who they raised in Marysville, Wa.
Judy had a passion for every aspect of life. Judy’s friendships were very special to her, and she loved to spend time checking in and seeing how everyone was doing; From phone call chats to class reunions, to helping in times of sadness and difficulty, Judy was there for it all. Judy also loved to read, spend time with family, entertain for every holiday and was always ready to travel. She and her husband, Neil, had many wonderful trips together from fishing and spending time in their camper to numerous overseas adventures including trekking through Nepal and going on safaris in East Africa and South Africa. They also visited the houseboats in Kashmir and rode camels in the Thar Dessert of India. Their travels included long dusty bus rides through Pakistan into Western China to visit Kashgar as well as exploring Europe.
Judy was preceded in death by father; Robert Koehler; mother, Edith Koehler; brother, William Koehler; brother-in-law, Roger Perala; and in-laws Edna and Egbert Westover. Judy is survived by her husband, Neil Westover; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Steve Grubb; and grandchildren, Emmett and Bodhi Akerman. Judy is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Marilyn Perala and Joanne Koehler and nephews, Bill and Jeff Koehler. Additionally, Kay and Craig Sullivan and Steven Grubb III joined the family in 2018 and Judy often commented feeling so grateful for their wonderful addition to the family.
Services for Judy will be held at Evergreen Funeral Home on April 25 at 10am. Open casket viewing is scheduled beforehand. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fred Hutch Cancer Center, an organization Judy felt strongly about and whose incredible physicians, nurses and staff offered support and treatment during her cancer journey.
Judy led her life as an example of how to embrace both the best and most difficult circumstances in life with love, grace and patience. Her message to those around her never faltered: Live every moment as if it were your last, love your friends and family fiercely, and never fear a new adventure.
Visitition for Judy will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 9:00 - 9:30 AM, Funeral Service will begin at 10am at Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203. The graveside services will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
A reception/celebration of Judy's life will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Evergreen Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203.
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Togetherness
Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other; we are still.
Call me by my old, familiar name; speak to me in the easy way, which you always used.
Laugh as we always laughed, at the little jokes, we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be the household name that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval somewhere very near just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is lost.
In a brief moment, I will be, as it was before, only better, infinitely happier and forever, we will all be one together with Christ.
Anonymous
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