Judith ‘Judy’ Anne Lauria
RAPID RIVER — Judith “Judy” Anne Lauria passed away on October 29th, 2021 while surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Violet and Carl Engel, life-long partner, Wayne Courier, and long-time mentor, Rush Limbaugh. Judy was born on January 11, 1938 in Grand Rapids, Mich. She spent her childhood riding horses, hunting with her father, driving fast cars, and living life to the fullest. Judy went to college and worked as a registered nurse for nine years. This profession served her well throughout her life. She used her medical knowledge to treat the many injuries received by her seven children and many of her friends.
Judy’s love of the outdoors brought her to live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, better known as God’s Country, in 1986. She was a proud Yooper. Judy loved to tell people about her house in the woods, which didn’t have running water, an indoor bathroom, or a furnace. Judy enjoyed the simple life and the challenges of living out of town. She always had a cup of coffee or a cold beer for her visitors.
Judy was a voracious reader, avid deer hunter, and talented seamstress. Her favorite daily activities were talking on the phone with her children and friends, taking care of her pets, and listening to AM radio.
Judy spent her life in service to others. For years, she made memory quilts for every fallen police officer’s family in the United States. She called herself “4 Cop Mom” and stitched a trademark logo on each quilt she sent.
Judy was known for her storytelling and dedicating her life to the community in which she resided. Her service and dedication to the senior center in Rapid River, Mich. included helping senior citizens navigate daily living needs, running food programs to be distributed to individuals in the community and overall generosity of time to take care of others.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Kristine Lauria, Victor (Sherie) Lauria, Kevin Lauria, Vincent Lauria, Andrea (Herschel) Crawford, Paul (Kelly) Lauria, Domenic (Jennifer) Lauria, Father Rick Courier, and Cindy (Dan) Homa.