Judy Eschedor

Judy Ann Eschedor passed away peacefully on March 30, 2017. Judy was born on April 12, 1942 to Evelyn (Lynch) and Al Szymanski of Gaylord. An only child, she attended Gaylord public schools, and graduated from Gaylord High School in 1960. Judy attended Central Michigan University for two years, but left her studies to marry Roger Eschedor - "the love of her life" - on May 23, 1964. Roger was an independent insurance salesman for most of his career, and they made Mancelona their home. They welcomed their son, Ryan, in November of 1968, and daughter, Mindy, in March of 1971. For many years, Judy was a happy stay-at-home mom and a busy volunteer in the schools and community. After Roger's early death in 1987, Judy entered the workforce. She was an administrative assistant in the Antrim County Clerk and Prosecutor's offices until her retirement in 2009. She loved helping people in her dual roles, and made many wonderful friends among her coworkers. During her 50+ years as a Mancelona resident, Judy proudly volunteered for and served many local organizations, including the Mancelona Chamber of Commerce, Mancelona School Board, Mancelona Village Council and Mancelona Education Foundation. Roger was one of the founders of the White Pine Stampede, and Judy volunteered for the race for many years, as did Ryan and Mindy. Some of Judy's favorite family memories included camping trips and cabin rentals with family friends, attending Ryan's sporting events and Mindy's band concerts and piano recitals, weekly bridge nights with her girlfriends, and the annual Eschedor garage sale. With a small nuclear family, the Eschedors truly had an extended family in their many dear family friends. In September of 2013, Judy moved into Meadow Brook in Bellaire. She enjoyed participating in bingo, attending concerts, and assisting with party and event planning, especially for activities that involved child visitors! She was the very proud grandma of Lucas (19), Tanner (17), Riley (15) and Jaxon (12), sons of Ryan and Lesa (Hinds), who live in Grants Pass, OR. Ryan is an independent contractor in construction, and Lesa is a Special Ed coordinator. Mindy resides in St. Paul, MN and is a professional musician. A Memorial Celebration of Judy's life will be held Saturday, August 12 at Noon at the Mancelona United Methodist Church with a luncheon following. Donations in Judy's honor may be made to the Mancelona Education Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, two of her favorite organizations.

Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.