Judith Ann Gordon

Judith Ann Gordon, affectionately known as Judy, passed away on November 1, 2026, in Vero Beach, Florida, at the age of 80.

Born on April 14, 1946, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Judy embodied a spirit of independence, adventure, and determination that was entirely her own. She graduated from Southfield High School and went on to attend Northern Michigan University. Never one to let a lack of transportation stand in her way, Judy was known in her younger years to stick out her thumb and hitchhike to wherever the action was.

Judy shared a close bond with her siblings, Billy, Jimmy, and Gayle. Family gatherings at their home on Walloon Lake, visits to Chicago with Bill and his family, and winter escapes to the Florida sunshine were cherished parts of her life. Her relationship with her sister, Gayle, was particularly special. The two shared countless adventures, including a memorable 1974 road trip to Florida in a 1961 Volkswagen Beetle that had neither floorboards nor heat. Their bond was everything a sisterhood could be: deep love, laughter, occasional disagreements, and a lifetime of shared memories.

Judy and her husband, John Dean Gordon, established their roots in Petoskey, Michigan, where they built a home filled with family, laughter, and beloved dogs. With her daughter Barb and son Jay settling in Traverse City, Judy made frequent trips to visit family, attend gatherings, and cheer on her granddaughters at their performances. For her grandchildren, memories of Judy’s home bring to mind afternoons swinging on the porch, baking chocolate chip cookies in the kitchen, and running around with the dogs. These simple moments became treasured memories of a grandmother who made her home a special place to be.

Never one to shy away from a new challenge, Judy pursued a career in nursing later in life, returning to school to become a registered nurse. She often brought her granddaughter, Jody, along to classes, creating another set of special memories along the way. Judy went on to work for a private family physician and spent two summers caring for students at Interlochen Arts Camp. Her decision to pursue her education and a new profession reflected the independence and determination that characterized so much of her life.

Judy and John joined the Charlevoix Yacht Club in the 1980s, beginning what would become a lifelong connection to the sailing community. For years, they made the drive from their home in Petoskey to Charlevoix, where Wednesday evenings were spent sailing aboard their beloved boat, Flash. In 2006, they relocated to Charlevoix, settling into a home directly across from the marina. This was a fitting place for a couple whose lives were so closely tied to the water.

Judy participated in numerous regattas and proudly served three terms as Commodore of the Charlevoix Yacht Club, along with holding other leadership positions within the organization. Her dedication reflected not only her love of sailing but also the friendships and community she found there. Even after John retired from sailing, Judy wasn’t ready to give up her sea legs. She continued sailing aboard other boats as a welcome deckhand, remaining active in the sport and community she loved.

Beyond the water, Judy was an avid gardener who took pride in surrounding her home with beautiful plants and flowers. She loved music and attended many concerts throughout Northern Michigan, particularly enjoying Willie Nelson performances at Interlochen Center for the Arts.

During the final year of her life, Judy relocated to California to be closer to her granddaughter, Jody. She later moved to Vero Beach, Florida, where she could receive care while spending time near her sister, Gayle. After a lifetime of adventures, the final chapter of Judy’s journey brought her close to family once again.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Dean Gordon; her parents, Carol and Willard Packard; and her brothers, Billy and Jimmy Packard.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Gordon-Kessel and John Dean Gordon II; her grandchildren, Jody Burns (Melissa Burns), Allie Kessel, Allison Johnson, Brenna Hudgens, and Hannah Hudgens; her sister, Gayle D’Haeseleer (Ronald D’Haeseleer); and her nieces and nephews, Molly, Matthew, Dana, Alex, Ronny, Sara, Tamara, Adam, Emily, Mary, and April.

Above all, Judy loved her family. She had a caring heart, a beautiful smile, and a wonderful laugh that those who knew her will never forget. Whether she was sharing an adventure, enjoying time on the water, or baking her much-loved chocolate chip cookies, Judy brought warmth and joy to the people around her. She leaves behind a lifetime of stories, cherished memories, and a love that will continue to be felt by all who knew her.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.