Obituary of Judy Marie Martin

Judy Marie Martin, 73, passed away in her South Bend home on March 26, 2021, surrounded by family and friends. Judy was born on April 8, 1947, in Goshen, Indiana, to the late Glenn I. and Dolly (Vance) Martin. Judy retired from Nylon Craft after over 30 years of loyal service as a Press Operator/Group Leader, where she was revered as one the best team members on the floor. Judy will always be remembered for her selfless acts of kindness and was known to enjoy life’s simple blessings from sitting on the deck drinking coffee, to watching the birds enjoy their daily feast, to playing Euchre with her good friends. She equally enjoyed hosting Mother’s Day and Christmas Eve in her home. Like her family, she was an avid sports fan, especially her hometown Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Prior to taking ill, she rarely missed a Girl’s Basketball home game, of which she was a season ticket holder. Along with her parents, Judy was preceded in death by a grandchild, Dante Townsend; three nephews, Keith A. Papczynski, Rodney Dials, and Ryan Dials; and two brothers-in-law, James Dials and Leo Grahl. Judy is survived by three children, Varena Lovell Edwards, Solenia Marie Carr, and Kenneth Paul Minton, all of South Bend; four sisters, Sharon J. Grahl of Niles, Barbara V. Dials of South Bend, Robin J. (Jeffrey) Harroff of South Bend, and Glenda L. Klemczewski of Mishawaka; eight nieces and nephews, Joseph (Linda) Papczynski, Ronald (Pamela) Dials, Rhonda Sue (Robert) Weisjahn, Robert Dials, Amy Jo Gnott, Jennifer (Michael) Smith, and Justin (Kalee) Harroff; one grandchild; five great-grandchildren; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. Judy also leaves to mourn her loss, her best friend and ultimate caregiver, Debbie Redman, as well her dear friends Linda Bachman and Nancy Glassburn. The family would like to thank Nichole from Hospice House for the great care she provided, and give a special acknowledgment to Debbie Redman, who mastered the art of caring for Judy in her greatest time of need. Deb’s steadfastness allowed Judy to remain in their home during the entire pandemic so that she was never alone. Funeral services to honor and celebrate Judy’s life will be held at Brown Funeral Home in Niles on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior. Judy will be laid to rest at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.