Judy Van Leeuwen

In loving memory of Judy VanLeeuwen, aka Grandma JuJu, a proud Salt Lake City native, born on May 19, 1940, and peacefully departed on January 28, 2024.
Preceded in death by her parents, Janet Buck and Owen Carl Sander of Holladay, UT sisters, Ann (deceased)/(Steve Sturdevant), Mary (Kent Carpenter) both deceased, and her beloved only surviving sister Jan (Rick Rivers), of Castlerock, CO.
Judy was a graduate of Granite High School in 1958. She began working in the insurance industry with Travelers, Kingdon, Trustco and Olympus Insurance until she retired. She enjoyed working with the customers and helping individuals with their insurance claims.
On May 17, 1961, Judy married John David VanLeeuwen (deceased July 1987). Judy and Dave, bought and remodelled a house on Chadwick Street in Sugarhouse then later purchased land and built a home in Sandy. She recently stated the best day of her life was when her son John Sander VanLeeuwen was born. Dave and Judy raised John and later adopted Donny VanLeeuwen (deceased May 2014) in their Sandy home. John married (Chrissy Rush VanLeeuwen) in 1991 and her joyous chapter continued with the arrival of Judy's twin grandsons, Ian and Keegan VanLeeuwen. The twins brightened Gramma JuJu's day whenever they entered the room. JuJu loved spoiling them with trips to Toys R Us every Tuesday where she would purchase a Lego and Ty beanie baby with a final stop to the Sandy library for books and movies rentals.
Throughout her life, Judy did a lot of care taking of her parents with long drives to Park City where they had family ties. She loved flocked Christmas trees, butterfingers, estate sale shopping on Sundays, getting her hair and nails done, and sitting in her recliner reading books and/or watching TV. She looked forward to trips with Raymond (RC) Walker to the Pacific Northwest or to the outdoors whenever he would take her. During her final years, she loved to watch Judge Judy, Family Fued and old movies and always looked forward to her daily calls from her baby sister, Jan. Her dry-sarcastic humour often confused those that didn't have "it". We all benefited from her family memories; the pictures and trinkets she displayed around her home all had a story to be told. The phone calls, letters, postcards, and flowers she received from family, neighbors, nieces and nephews were cherished and appreciated.
Let us fondly remember Judy for her love of laughter, her amazing cooking, baking and recipes, her extensive knowledge of many topics, and the quiet strength she carried throughout life. We would like to extend our gratitude to the nursing & care staff at Cedarwood Senior Living Community and Canyons Home Health.
Per her wishes, the family will have a small graveside service this summer. Thank you all for your condolences, prayers and support. In her honour, please go purchase a Lego or small stuffed toy for your grandchild(ren) or a child you love. May her soul rest in peace.