Mary Ann Judson, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, in Holland Michigan.
Mary Ann, lovingly known as “Mimi, Mama J, or Momma J”, was joyful, optimistic, and devoted to God, family, and friends. She was a steady light in the lives of those who knew her. Her life reflected a “bloom where you’re planted” outlook, marked by resilience, warmth, and a smile that brightened every room.
She was born in 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Raymond and Anna Hartung. She grew up on Robison Road with her brother Frank and their Boston terriers.
After attending Wittenberg College for two years, Mary Ann transferred to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and was introduced to Franklin Judson at a fraternal party. She graduated on June 15, 1959, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration followed by her job in downtown Chicago at Harris Bank after graduation.
Mary Ann and Franklin were married on December 10, 1960, and first resided on Judson Street in Evanston. She was actively involved an election judge in their community and devoted time volunteering for her brother’s political campaigns in Texas.
Mary Ann had an adventurous spirit and was quick to say yes to opportunities:
-competing as a swimmer in a relay team for three Chicago Sun Times Triathlons
-swimming the length of the English Channel (350 miles) twice in one summer
-traveling to Europe with her daughter Linda to meet relatives in Munich, Germany
-exploring Alaska and New Zealand with Franklin and friends
She was an avid quilter who delighted in creating personalized baby quilts as treasured gifts. An exceptional cook and gracious host, she found great joy in gathering others around her table. She also loved owning, breeding, and raising Boston terriers, faithfully caring for the same line from the late 1960s through 2007.
She deeply valued her friendships and often shared the words, “Make new friends, but keep the old – one is silver and the other is gold.”
Mary Ann spent many years as a discussion leader in Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study, where she invested in the lives of others. She modeled the love of Jesus not only in what she said, but also in what she chose not to say.
Her very best days were those spent raising her children and delighting in time with her granddaughters, who were the joy of her life. Mary Ann will be deeply missed, and her memory will be treasured by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Anna Hartung and her brother, Frank Hartung. She is survived by her two daughters Linda Creviston and Sandy (Mark) Kemink along with her beloved grandchildren: Sarah (Evan) Dieleman, Marissa Creviston, Molly (Aaron) Huizenga and Lucy Kemink.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who supported Mary Ann with unwavering love and compassion during her final days.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6 at 10:00 am followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am celebrating Mary Ann’s life at Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland, Michigan 49424 with Rev. James Karsten officiating.
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