Judy L. Zwart

Safe and at peace in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Judy passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Judy was born on August 13, 1937, in Kalamazoo, MI, to Constance (Dasher) and Basil Hayward. On October 26, 1956, she was united in marriage to Bernard Zwart, who preceded her in death on April 2, 2015. Judy loved her Lord, and it showed in her sweet, gentle nature, the many relationships she developed, and the ways that she served others. Judy was a loving mother to her sons, Timothy (Alice) and Steven (Judy); her grandchildren, Eric (Andrea), Ryan (Lindsey), Andrew (Sara), Abby, and Hannah; and great-grandchildren, Coen, Evie, Rory, Hendrik and Ezra.  

Judy had various part-time jobs over the years, including Kalamazoo Public Library, Hickory Farms, and Children’s Medicine. She volunteered as a librarian at North Christian School and served in many ways at Knollwood and Heritage Christian Reformed Churches. Judy and Bernie volunteered for many years at Second Impressions resale store for Kalamazoo Christian Schools. Judy loved to sing and had a beautiful soprano voice. Judy and Bernie introduced their sons to camping and the outdoors and continued to travel in later years, with many winters in Florida, and an Alaskan cruise. Mostly, however, Judy enjoyed spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren’s many events.  

Judy is also survived by her sister, Susan Robinson, brother-in-law, Ronald Kalleward, brother-in-law and sister-in law, Gordon and Dona Zwart, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Diane (Vernon) Vorenkamp, Sally Kalleward, Christine Hayward, brother-in-law, Jim Robinson and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Agnes (John Madden), Peter (Virginia) Zwart, Sidney (Agnes Zwart), Frank (Kit) Zwart, and Ralph Zwart. 

The family is grateful to the staff of Byron Center Manor (now Care Cardinal) for their loving care for Judy the past three years of her journey, through increasing physical issues and dementia. The family also appreciates the support of Faith Hospice over the past 16 months. 

Private committal and interment will take place Saturday June 15. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, July 6 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009.

Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Christian Schools, the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, or Heritage Christian Reformed Church. To view Judy’s personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com