Susan Martz Judd

Susan Martz Judd, born October 26, 1955, passed peacefully on February 7, 2023. As the sixth of ten children born to John and Mary Garey of Flint, MI, and the first girl in their Irish Catholic family, she did everything fast (learning early to compete with five older brothers!), efficiently, and with unswerving faith in God. She was incredibly capable, had strong opinions, and worked all her life to make a difference in small and large ways. Her laugh, her strength, and her grace will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She married young, had her daughters Gretchen and Raechel, and was driven to pursue a career while being a mother. She followed in her father’s footsteps and worked at General Motors while completing her education which included bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan and master’s in Labor & Industrial Relations from Michigan State University.  Susan spent her entire career at GM and made many notable contributions, including the negotiation of multiple contracts between GM and Union, finishing her career in Global Human Resources where she oversaw the investments of GM employees. She retired after 40+ years in 2019. 

In 2002 she met an engineer named Jonathan Judd from Ontario, Canada. Their first date was on April Fools’ Day, at a coffee shop, even though neither of them drank coffee. It was the last first date she ever went on and they spent the next almost 20 years together enjoying golf and tennis and traveling the US and abroad and not drinking coffee. 

One of Susan’s most favorite titles was “Nana.”  She loved to watch her grandchildren play sports and truly enjoyed hearing about their activities and lives. She loved spending time with her large extended family and her many siblings. In her final years, as her activity was hampered by illness, she kept her mind and hands active by playing cards.  She was very good. 

Susan had a long and courageous battle with cancer.  She was a warrior who defied the odds, persevering through several years of treatments and surgeries. Never one to take the passive path, Susan educated herself, pushed her doctors to be better, and fought each and every day. 

Through it all, her faith was her guide and source of strength. Susan was a fixture at Bible studies at her church and would be quick to offer prayer and support to anyone in need.  She volunteered for Financial Peace University classes, made quilts for NICU babies and so much more.  She made a mark on this world and her memory will forever be held by her family and friends. 

Susan is survived by her husband Jonathan Judd of Canton, Michigan and daughters, Raechel (Andy) Moorhead of Atlanta, GA and Gretchen (Craig) Crispin of Adrian, Michigan, grandchildren Luke and Reese Moorhead, Alexia and Clayton Crispin, along with numerous siblings, cousins, and nieces and nephews. All will miss her deeply. 

As a tribute to Susan's love of butterflies, we would ask that bright colours be on display for the Celebration of Life.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, March 25 at NorthRidge Church at 49555 N Territorial Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170.  The family will welcome friends and family at 10am with a service at 11am and a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations are greatly appreciated to University of Michigan – Palliative Medicine

Palliative Medicine | Giving to U-M (umich.edu)