Judith Kite

Judith Kite always knew that there would be hard times in life, and she experienced many of them. But she also never ceased to sing of the great joys in life, and took great pleasure in the world around her. A strong, hard working woman, Judy was a fast friend, and took joy in helping others on their journeys through life. Kept young by her love for God, her family and her friends, Judy was truly blessed, and was a true example to her family.

Times were tough in the year 1937, when Judy's story begins. After suffering through eight years of economic depression, the nation was eager to see progress, and desperate for a turn of the tide. Unfortunately, a break from economic hardship was not in sight. Soon, the nation became distracted from the troubles at home, looking on warily as tensions brewed in Europe and conflict seemed imminent. In Kalamazoo, Michigan, a young couple named John and Essie Holmes were seeing difficult times of their own, though their difficulties came with a silver lining. They, too, were experiencing times of great want, but were also anxiously anticipating a new addition to their family. One hot summer day, on July 20, 1937, Essie gave birth to a new baby in a chicken coop on Crum Street. She and John named their precious new daughter Judy, and placed her in the only bed they had available for an infant--their dresser drawer.

As a child, Judy spent most of her time growing up in Otsego, Michigan. She enjoyed playing with her family on the farm, and encountered many adventures with the farm animals. When Judy had grown older, she met a young man named James Brown. They were married on August 7, 1954. Soon, Judy and James started a family, and had five wonderful children together, James Jr., Victoria, twins Matt and Mark, and Becky Jo. Unfortunately, Judy soon found herself a single mother, and was faced with the difficult task of raising and supporting five children all on her own. But Judy was never one to shy away from a challenge, and worked tirelessly to provide for her family. A selfless mother, Judy would often go without to make sure her children had the things that they needed most, and her children were always able to do the activities most important to them. Sometimes, Judy had to work two jobs to make sure there was a roof over their head and food on the table, but she always persevered. She found employment at a brass Factory in Otsego, FabriKal, and Ruby's Dress Shop.

Judy was a dedicated mother, and took great joy in spending time with her children. They took many trips to her parent's farm, where the kids would play with the farm animals. Once, Judy was pushed by a goat into the pig pen while wearing a beautiful pink dress. Another time, she experienced an adventure during a trip to Indiana to deliver a baby pig to a new farm; the pig escaped from its crate, and took refuge under the driver's seat of the car. They were able to get the pig back in its crate eventually, but it took a bit of squealing and convincing to do so.

Judy would often have to drive home from these trips with all the windows open because the kids smelled so bad. Later in her life, Judy met a man named Harry Kite. On May 1, 1971, she and Harry were married. They took great joy in their time together. Together Harry and Judy took in her brother's daughter, Lisa. Unfortunately, Harry died in 1974, leaving Judy heartbroken.

After a time, Judy learned to take comfort in her family, and found joy once more. She always loved family get-togethers, especially the annual 4th of July gathering with her parents. For this gathering, Judy would spend hours making fried chicken. She also adored Christmas, her favorite time of the year. Judy took great joy in giving special gifts, and would often start shopping the day after Christmas for the following year. She enjoyed ceramics, and many people received her creations as gifts. And every year, her grandkids would look forward to receiving socks with smiley faces on them. Judy loved baking making the traditional pea-pods around the holidays as well, and would laugh as her grandkids got flour everywhere.

Judy loved to keep busy, and was a large part of her community. She was always close with her sister Kay, and the two moved into Washington Square Coop together. They were part of the Block Watch meetings, Edison Business Association, Partners with Community, Weed & Seed, and GROW. Judy and Kay also worked with the city prosecutor, and took on leadership roles within their apartment community. Though Judy experienced many times of trial in her life, she also learned to find great joy in the world around her as well. Her favorite color was always green, and she delighted in surrounding herself with the color. She loved that her daughter-in-law painted her living room red, and Judy even painted her coal furnace red with flowers. Judy also loved feeding birds and squirrels, and every winter, waited with great anticipation for the first snow that was just enough to make a perfect snow angel. Unfortunately, as Judy grew older her health began to fail. She died peacefully in her home on February 10, 2011.

Throughout her life, Judy knew many hard times, but she also discovered that these hard times only sweetened the good ones. A strong, hard working woman, Judy loved her family dearly, and found true joy in time spent with her loved ones. With an easy smile, Judy showed great faith and patience throughout her life, and was a true example for her family. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Judy will be dearly missed, but fondly remembered.

Judy is survived by her children, James (Lynne) Brown, Vickie (Kevin) Clark, Mark (Michelle) Brown, Matt Brown, Becky Jo Bigsby and Lisa (Don) Tuinier, 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, her sisters Shirley Pluszczynski and Kay Wright; her best friend Robin Wank as well as many other relatives.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 19th at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; 1112 North Drake Road, Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Borgess VNA Hospice, American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. Judy’s family was cared for by Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a photo or memory and sign the online guestbook.