Judith Care

Judy was born on December 13, 1945, in Canton, OH, to parents James and Eleanor McKinnon. She grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and graduated from Marian High School in 1964. Judy then studied elementary education at University of Michigan, where she met her husband, Chuck.

Judy and Chuck were married in 1968 and moved to Grand Rapids, MI. Here, they raised their three children and became active members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Judy pursued her calling as an educator, working as a preschool teacher and director, then as a kindergarten and first grade teacher, principal, curriculum director, and interim superintendent for Northview Public Schools. She retired in 2008 after serving 22 years in Northview. In retirement, Judy and Chuck moved to Lake Leelanau, MI, before moving back to Grand Rapids in 2016 for Judy’s cancer treatments.

Throughout her life, Judy was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing her love of reading with children. She had said that her best memories from teaching were when she had been working with students learning to read and the “light bulb” went on and reading “clicked.” In addition to reading, Judy loved cooking, baking and hosting family and friends in her home, whether for holidays and special occasions, or for “Dinner Club” gatherings. She also enjoyed watching U of M football, gardening, and traveling in the U.S. and internationally, often visiting art fairs or galleries and bringing home new art pieces to display.

Even in the midst of her own health challenges, Judy always looked for ways to encourage and uplift others: from making meals and sending cards, to generously donating her time and resources to causes that were important to her; and from praying daily for others to supporting her grandkids’ many sports or musical activities. Faith, family, and friends meant everything to Judy, and her kindness and positivity impacted countless others.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Chuck; children Tim (Jenny) Care, Cheryl Schenk, and Meredith (Chad) Segur; grandchildren (who were the light of her life) Alexis and Michael Care; Adria, Lane, and Kaia Schenk, and Kirsten and Garrett Segur. She is also survived by her sister Dee (Ron) Rose, brother Dave (Nancy) McKinnon, and many nieces and nephews. Judy is preceded in death by her sister Micki Christian and parents, Jim and Eleanor McKinnon.

The family wishes to thank the compassionate caregivers at Faith Hospice who cared for Judy in her final few months.

A celebration of life service will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 19 at 11 am. Visitation with the family will take place one hour before the service.

Inspired by Judy’s passion for education, memorial donations can be made to the Northview Education Foundation (4365 Hunsberger NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525). Please designate donations for the Judy Care Literacy Project, which provides funding for new Northview teachers to buy books for their classrooms.