Search

Judith Lucile Hobson Wellman died peacefully in the early hours of September 15, 2022 in Chelsea, MI. She was born on December 1, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI to Dr. Aubrey E. Hobson and Lucile Elizabeth (Gross) Hobson. Lucile died four days later. In 1936 Dr. Hobson married Marie Voss, who became a loving mother to his two little girls and the only mother Judy ever knew.

Judy studied nursing at St. Olaf (MN) and finished her clinicals in Milwaukee. Through her brother-in-law, Tom Heermans, she met her future husband, Maynard C. Wellman. They married on October 15, 1955 and had five children and resided in Ann Arbor, MI.

Judy was a loving creative and passionate woman with a heart for caregiving and filled with music. She had a beautiful singing voice and was active in high school musicals, church and community choirs and never forgot that magical moment when she was spontaneously invited to sing “Summertime” with Chuck Mangione at her sister- and brother-in-law’s wedding!

Judy was a full-time mom to her five children as well as a Sunday school teacher, program director and teacher for Christian Education for Adults with cognitive disabilities and a Stephen Minister and leader. She also had a heart of an activist and ally as she worked throughout the Synod for years to help make churches Handicapped Accessible and broaden the welcome to the LGBTQIA+ community. She was a warrior for the disenfranchised among us.

Judy returned to nursing full-time in the mid-seventies, first at High Point School and later at the Veterans Hospital in Ann Arbor where she eventually helped establish the Hospice and Palliative Care unit with her friend and colleague, Richard Weeden. She was a fearless and beloved caregiver for her patients, especially those suffering from the terrifying new disease, HIV-Aids.

After retiring, Judy and Maynard spent many years travelling the country in their motorhome, most recently spending winters in their favorite spot, Bella Terra RV Resort in Gulf Shores, AL. Judy adored her grandchildren and great-grands and cherished visits and birthday celebrations for all!

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Betty Heermans and her husband Maynard. She is survived by her children, Wendy, Laurie, Nancy, Paul and Mark (Susan) Wellman; her grandchildren: Aaron (Randi) Fremuth, Nathaniel Fremuth, Peter (Emma Goodman) Fremuth, Ethan (Amy) Fremuth, Joel (Mandi Tracey) Fremuth, Isaac Fremuth; Sarah Dixon, Anne (Adam) Bujala, Daniel Dixon, Rachel Dixon; Paul Perez; Michelle Wellman, Brian (Madison) Wellman, Catherine Wellman, and six great-grand children.

A service celebrating Judy's life will be held October 8th, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Visitation will be there at 1 p.m. Donations in her memory may be made to Samaritas, formerly Lutheran Social Services of Michigan. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Michigan.

 

 


You may use the form below to share a memory or leave a public message for Judith's family. Please allow 24 hrs. for us to review & post your comment. 

Comments  

#6 Peter & Cindy Nagy 2022-09-24 12:46
What an honor it has been to know Judy and, of course, pups Brady and Charlie! The wonderful memories of you as our neighbors in Gulf Shores AL will stay with us always. Go easy, Judy, as you are again with Maynard. We miss you.
Quote
#5 Laura Voss. “Lolly” 2022-09-22 20:49
So many memorable memories through the years with her family and mine. I got a great cousin when I got her. I enjoyed flying from Milwaukee to Ann Arbor to babysit the kids when they were small a couple of years for week or two. Treasure all the memories at White
Sand Lake that were made. She will be missed but left a legacy for her family what lovely caring person she was. We will have a special angel watching over her family & people she touched in her life time. Rest In Peace in peace & now with Maybard❤️
Quote
#4 NELL and LYLE OLSON 2022-09-19 10:37
Judy was such a wonderful and loving caring person always. Our love and deepest sympathy
Quote
#3 Jeff Crowder 2022-09-17 18:29
Judy was a bright, insightful soul. She shared a number of moments when the hymn, "In the Garden" was particularly meaningful to her. We will think of her at Silver Maples whenever we sing it.
Quote
#2 Tom Beneteau 2022-09-17 09:09
Judy, you welcomed me into your home as your 3rd son and I was proud to call you my 2nd Mom. God bless you for helping raise me. Heaven certainly has another angel.
Quote
#1 susan briggs mott 2022-09-16 16:56
Judy was a second Mom to me-I loved her dearly and my Mom and Dad did as well. Thank you Judy for all of your loving support throughout my life-I will miss you ♥️
Quote

Add comment

Security code
Refresh