Obituary of Judy French

Judy French, 74, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the Center for Hospice Care of South Bend. She was born to the late Adelbert and Dorothy (Barnes) Mapes on October 24, 1942 in Niles, Michigan. After graduating from Niles High School, Class of 1960, at a ceremony in Berrien Springs, Judy married the love of her life, Jerry French on July 15, 1961; last year they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Judy was always busy with handcrafts and was especially talented when it came to knitting, sewing, needlepoint, and crocheting. She also collected chickens and sunflowers. Judy enjoyed traveling and had many wonderful memories especially camping at Clear Lake. She served as a deaconess at Hope Community Church where she was a faithful member. Those who knew Judy also knew of all the blessings she had been given, her family was certainly a blessing she thanked God for many times. She is survived by her husband, Jerry French of Niles, her daughters, Susan French of Niles and Nancy (Timothy) Harlow of South Bend, her sisters, Joann Engdahl of Marshall , Texas and Pam (Tom) Mcintyre of Niles. She will also be deeply missed by her three grandchildren; Christopher, Brandon, and Tyler Harlow. Visitation for Judy will be Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Brown Funeral Home in Niles from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services for Judy will be held on Thursday at Hope Community Church in Niles at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mike Smith, Pastor Brad Heiple and Pastor Ron Smith officiating. She will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to Center for Hospice of South Bend; 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, Indiana 46637 and also Hope Community Church; 2390 Lake Street, Niles, Michigan 49120; envelopes will be provided by the funeral home.