Judith Lee Garchow

Judith Lee (Bartels) Garchow of Grand Ledge, MI passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on March 8th, 2024. (International Women's Day). Judy was born February 25th, 1936
In Saginaw, MI to the late Wesley and Ruth (Crandall) Bartels, Marion Sadenwater, stepmother.
She graduated with honors from Saginaw High Class of 1954, where she excelled in academics, played first chair clarinet and met her husband, Wayne. Together they shared 64 years of love and sincere devotion to family. Judy attended Michigan State University, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from University of Michigan.
Judy went on to teach upper elementary at Waverly Schools for nearly 30 years. Her love and dedication positively impacted many generations of students. She also had a strong passion for learning and sharing about Women's History.
In her younger years, Judy enjoyed entertaining at their cottage on Burt Lake, playing golf and tennis, photography, crocheting, dancing, planting flowers and antiquing. She was a creative writer who wrote many sentimental cards and poems for loved ones. Judy was a loyal friend, and maintained many lifelong relationships.
Judy will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandma who immensely enjoyed family gatherings, birthdays and holidays.
Her precious six grandchildren share fond memories of piano playing, singing songs, reading books, visiting the Apple Orchard, and exploring the GL Island Fair.
Judy is survived by her daughters, Ann (John) Pohl and Karen (Rich) Friberg, daughter-in-law Laurene Garchow (Tom) Packer, grandchildren, Lyndsey Pohl, Emily (Jacob) Sommers, Kelsey (Paul) Hines, Kyle (Camille) Friberg, Garrett (Sarah) Garchow, and Lauren Garchow; great grandchildren, Owen and Oliver Garchow, Henry and Sophie Sommers, with one more arriving July 2024. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne and son, Mark.
A celebration of Judy's life will be held at a later date with family and friends.
Memorial contributions in Judy's name may be given to the Women's Center of Greater Lansing, 1712 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48912 (https://lansingwomen.org/donations/).
Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Please share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the amazing staff at Fairview Adult Foster Care for the compassionate care they provided for both Judy and Wayne.