Judith L. Leece

Judith L. Leece
Died December 18, 2023
Judith Lynne Leece (née Perry), 86, of Northport, passed away on December 18, 2023 in Traverse City.
Act I "She was whiskey in a teacup."
Judie was born June 8, 1937 to Ezra and Bernice Perry in Grand Blanc as the youngest of 4 children. Early on Judie revealed her effervescent personality singing songs and performing for the hospital staff after an accident at the age of three. Her love of entertaining would be a constant throughout her life.
Growing up riding ponies, chasing barn cats and singing while her mom played piano, Judie cultivated her lifelong loves of nature, music and performing. Summers were spent at Higgins Lake where she met her first husband, Bill Link Sr.
Married in 1954, they raised three children together while continuing the tradition of summers at the lake. In Saginaw Judie joined the YWCA "Y Knots" synchronized swim club and performed with the Germania Country Club band playing flute.
Act II "I do love nothing in the world so much as you." Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare
Judie's second act began in 1972 when she married her favorite leading man, Curt Leece, and gained two much loved stepchildren. Many great family memories were made skiing at Skyline, taking trips in the conversion van, and performing in the family garage band.
In retirement, Judie and Curt settled in Northport where they enjoyed hiking, birding, entertaining and participating in many productions at the Northport Performing Arts Center. Judie was active in the Northport Community Band, Village Voices, and several theater productions. Her very favorite musical endeavor though was singing with friends Joan Post-Brown and Mary Kay Davis as the "Mill Street Sisters".
In addition to her musical pursuits Judie volunteered at Samaritan's Closet and supported many other local charities.
Act III "Golden lads and girls all must, as chimney-sweepers, come to dust." Cymbeline, Shakespeare
After the loss of her beloved husband in 2010, Judie joined a new kind of trio, the sisterhood called the "J Crew", hanging out with dear friends Joan Moore and Janet Crane. When Judie relocated to Traverse City she was blessed to also add Sherry Koenig to this sisterhood. In addition to her great friends, Judie was fortunate to be in the loving care of the team at Bay Ridge and Hospice of Michigan.
Leaving this earth before Judie were her parents, siblings, husband and daughter-in-law., Nancy Link. She is survived by her children Bill Link Jr, Perry (Kelly) Link, Cathy (Dan England) Leece, David (Kathy Brewer) Leece, MaryAnn (Tom) Knowles, seven grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
The Epilogue "I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever." Amy Tan
A Celebration of Life event will be held in the spring. Those wishing to donate in Judie's memory may do so with Northport Performing Arts Center or Saving Birds Through Habitat.
Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.martinson.info
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.