Obituary: Judy Esther Reed

Judy Esther Reed (January 31, 1939 – May 12, 2025)

Judy Esther Reed, 86, from Clark Lake, Mich., passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025, surrounded by family at her home. Judy’s family and friends will gather from 2 to 4 pm on Thursday, May 15, 2025, and from 10 to 11am, on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Eineder Funeral Homes — Brooklyn Chapel. Her funeral service will be held at 11am, on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Eineder Funeral Homes — Brooklyn Chapel. Her son and Pastor, John Reed, will officiate. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date at Clark Lake Cemetery.

She was born on January 31, 1939, in St. Louis, Mich., to Lawrence and Laura (Hoffman) Lofberg. Judy graduated from Jackson High School, class of ’57. She married the love of her life, Keith Reed, on June 20, 1961, at a church in Jackson, Mich. Judy obtained a bachelor’s degree in education through Western Michigan University, which allowed her to teach for 34 years. During her time of teaching, she taught middle school up to college classes, and would teach economics, computer science, math, and so much more. Judy’s proudest moment in education was when she formed the first known Alternative High School in Napoleon, Mich., and winning the “Golden Apple Award,” which is a prestigious recognition for outstanding educators.

She was an individual who was not only dedicated to her family but also to her community and anyone who came into her life. Judy’s home was a place that so many people called “home,” including elder individuals who needed help in caring for themselves, foster children who needed a loving home, and anyone who needed a place to stay. Her devotion to people and making sure everyone felt loved, heard, and were taken care of was truly her passion in life and one in which she triumphed. Judy’s home was the location of many parties, get-togethers, and events that she loved hosting, where she would cook, entertain, and create an environment that all could enjoy; if you walked into her home, you were looked after.

Her love of caring for others was passed down to her family, who learned that everyone should be treated like family and just like her, one of her grandsons also fostered and adopted children, to carry on her legacy. Judy was an amazing golfer and even coached the Napoleon golf team for a time. She was a woman of great faith, who attended many churches in her lifetime, though she was a member of Clark Lake Community Church the longest. Judy will be remembered as a devoted, loving individual to family, friends, and all who she came into contact with. She will be sorely missed by all those who loved her and who will forever be changed because of her generosity and love.

Judy will be missed by her husband, who still remembers their first date of water skiing right across from their current home, Keith Reed; her sons, John (Laurel) Reed and Gary (Robin) Reed; her grandchildren, Evan (Halle) Reed, Shelby (Sylwia) Reed, and Conor Reed; her great-grandchildren, Braxten Reed, Bailee Reed, Brodee Reed, and Sawyer Reed; and many extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Laura Lofberg, and her son, Larry Keith Reed.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Gideon’s International or the Alzheimer’s Association. Please leave a message of comfort for Judy’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.