Judith Lynne Carlson

Judith Lynne "Judy" Carlson, 87, of Federal Way, Wash., formerly of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at Arbor Haven Adult Family Home in Kent, Wash.

Visitation will take place from 9-11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A graveside service will follow in Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph.

Memorial contributions in Judy's name may be made to Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan, St. Joseph. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Judy was born on Sept. 15, 1938, to Sylvester and Clarabelle (Russell) Kurek in Benton Harbor. She attended Benton Harbor High School, graduating with the Class of 1956. Judy went on to further her education at Western Michigan University earning her bachelor's degree in English.

On Aug. 1, 1960, she married the love of her life, Gerhard F. "Gary" Carlson.

Professionally, Judy dedicated 10 years as an English teacher at Lakeshore High School from 1961-70. In 1974, she and Gary moved overseas, where she worked as a librarian for Saudi Aramco, a position she truly enjoyed.

The couple eventually returned to St. Joseph in 1991 before relocating to the Seattle area in 2000 to be closer to family. Though they built a life they loved in the Pacific Northwest, Judy and Gary maintained a cottage in St. Joseph, returning each summer to a place they always considered home.

Judy had a deep love for travel, theatre and was a gracious host who enjoyed entertaining. She always made sure there was food on hand and took great pride in making everyone feel comfortable and welcome. An avid reader, she enjoyed sharing books with others and participated in several book groups, especially later in life. Judy was also a devoted animal lover and over the years lovingly cared for several border collies, many of the rescues. Above all else, she cherished her family, and nothing was more important to her than their well-being and the time she spent with them.

Judy is survived by her husband of 65 years, Gerhard "Gary" Carlson; daughters: Pamela Carlson, Elise Carlson and grandchildren: Benjamin Joray and Soren Joray, all of whom will forever cherish her memory as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Sylvester and Clarabelle Kurek.