Jude Margaret Cormier passed away on November 11, 2025 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA. Following surgery on October 27, Jude developed breathing difficulty while convalescing at her home. Taken to the Emergency Room and then Critical Care Unit, it was discovered that she had developed pneumonia in both lungs which she was unable to overcome. She passed soon after her breathing support had been withdrawn.
Jude was born on December 19, 1950 to Eloise and Clem Cormier. She went to Fratt Memorial Grade School and graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 1970.
Despite her physical challenges from birth Jude was determined to be self-supporting and independent. She attended North Idaho Junior College and graduated from Eastern Washington University with a B.A. in Special Education and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education. She worked as a special education teacher in Spokane. After she medically retired, she continued to be involved in elementary education as a Teacher's Aid and as a substitute teacher. She enjoyed the connection with children so much.
Jude's generous heart was visible in her high school years when she'd bring an extra sandwich to share with any hungry classmate. Her retired circumstances allowed her to travel, which she loved. She took an opportunity to make a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in the former Yugoslavia where her experiences inspired her to return - repeatedly. We were all proud of her work founding and coordinating Helping Hands of Spokane WA 1995 - 1998. This was during the Bosnia/Croatia War. Helping Hands brought children and adults from the warzone for medical treatment in Spokane. She coordinated donated medical services by the medical community and other vendors. Jude opened her home to these patients during their stays in Spokane. Her generous spirit also helped her become a strong advocate for the disabled in Spokane. She became a Committee Member of Access 4 All Spokane and served on the Accessible Communities Advisory Committee [ACAC} 2016 to 2021.
Jude is survived by her sister, Mari Cormier, of Auburn, WA, her sister, Jayne Cormier Teske and brother-in-law, Bill Teske, both of Boise, ID.
Jude was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Mike and Pat, and her aunts and uncles, and cousins. We particularly remember Aunt Margie, whom Jude was named after.
Jude was always proud to have been "raised' as a Montana ranch girl. The family were life-long members of St. Patrick's Parish and we remember so fondly all of the wonderful priests as well as the nuns at Fratt who cared for us. We especially thank Cece Padon and Tris Roscoe Salyer and countless others in Billings and Spokane who were so good to Jude throughout her inspiring life.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral Parish, 215 N 31st St, Billings, MT on Friday, December 12, at 12 noon. Committal will take place at Montview Cemetery. Following committal there will be a luncheon at a local restaurant to be announce after Mass.
Jude was born on December 19, 1950 to Eloise and Clem Cormier. She went to Fratt Memorial Grade School and graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 1970.
Despite her physical challenges from birth Jude was determined to be self-supporting and independent. She attended North Idaho Junior College and graduated from Eastern Washington University with a B.A. in Special Education and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education. She worked as a special education teacher in Spokane. After she medically retired, she continued to be involved in elementary education as a Teacher's Aid and as a substitute teacher. She enjoyed the connection with children so much.
Jude's generous heart was visible in her high school years when she'd bring an extra sandwich to share with any hungry classmate. Her retired circumstances allowed her to travel, which she loved. She took an opportunity to make a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in the former Yugoslavia where her experiences inspired her to return - repeatedly. We were all proud of her work founding and coordinating Helping Hands of Spokane WA 1995 - 1998. This was during the Bosnia/Croatia War. Helping Hands brought children and adults from the warzone for medical treatment in Spokane. She coordinated donated medical services by the medical community and other vendors. Jude opened her home to these patients during their stays in Spokane. Her generous spirit also helped her become a strong advocate for the disabled in Spokane. She became a Committee Member of Access 4 All Spokane and served on the Accessible Communities Advisory Committee [ACAC} 2016 to 2021.
Jude is survived by her sister, Mari Cormier, of Auburn, WA, her sister, Jayne Cormier Teske and brother-in-law, Bill Teske, both of Boise, ID.
Jude was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Mike and Pat, and her aunts and uncles, and cousins. We particularly remember Aunt Margie, whom Jude was named after.
Jude was always proud to have been "raised' as a Montana ranch girl. The family were life-long members of St. Patrick's Parish and we remember so fondly all of the wonderful priests as well as the nuns at Fratt who cared for us. We especially thank Cece Padon and Tris Roscoe Salyer and countless others in Billings and Spokane who were so good to Jude throughout her inspiring life.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral Parish, 215 N 31st St, Billings, MT on Friday, December 12, at 12 noon. Committal will take place at Montview Cemetery. Following committal there will be a luncheon at a local restaurant to be announce after Mass.
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