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Judith "Judy" Croden flew to Heaven on April 25, 2023 at her home away from home in Florida with her husband Peter by her side. Judy, from Portage, MI, was 74 years old and was born in Grand Ledge, MI to Ralph and Marge Taylor. Judy's life would seem too short to many, but those of us who were blessed to be touched by her, understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts far exceeds the amount of time that she stayed here.
Judy redefined the term active. Her hobbies, activities and accomplishments, borderline on endless. As a lifeguard, Judy loved the water. She was often found swimming, floating and boating in any pool, lake, river or ocean she could find. She competed in volleyball, soccer, pickleball, golf, would sit at any table for a card game and would pull everyone she could into a 5K. She volunteered and/or participated in Community Healing Centers, Golf4Kids, Wright4Kids, Roof-Sit, multiple food drives, Pretty Lake Youth Camp, Youth 4 Christ, and the Miracle League. Judy, along with her husband Peter, also received the Child Advocate of the Year Award from the Community Healing Center of Kalamazoo. Then there's her family…
You're challenged to find a day where Judy didn't talk about how much her children, grandchildren and family meant to her. Her family was arguably her most important achievement in life and was fiercely proud of each and everyone of them. She never missed a moment to tell anyone about them. Her loving husband Peter. Her children, Kelley and Todd Swanson, Chad and Jenna Chambless, Brad Croden, Dana and Chris Winrow, Denise Croden and Danny Johnson. Her grandchildren Cooper and Carter Swanson, Ethan and Taylor Chambless and Torrey and Jonathan Winrow. Her sister-in-law, Cheryl Taylor, nieces and nephews, D'Anna and Dan Boot and Brett and Candace Taylor. Her friends are literally countless and she was loved by all. Judy was greeted in heaven by her parents Marge and Ralph Taylor and her brother Jeff Taylor as well as many other loved ones gone too soon.
Judy was a vibrant star that burned out too soon. She smiled constantly. She loved endlessly. She made friends out of everybody she met. She was a princess here on earth and now an angel in Heaven.
A Celebration of Life is being organized, and will be held at New Life Victory Church in Comstock Michigan on July 15th, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Miracle League, a charity for disabled youth at https://swmimiracle.org/donate/, an organization Judy cared for.
We love you more than dirt! Go Green!