Judith “Judy” Ann Smith (née Fuller) (82) originally from Lowell, Michigan passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026 in Citrus Hospice House in Lecanto, Florida after a brief hospitalization.

Judy was born on June 4th, 1943 to Frederick C & Edith Fuller. She was the eldest of seven children and was admired and loved by her siblings Frederick (Susan) Fuller, Bonnie (Frank) Stankus, Thomas (Cindy) Fuller, Christine (Jeff) Lamphere, Vicki (Larry) Everitt and Tami (Paul) Moykkynen.

She married James Stanley “Stan” Smith on June 29th, 1961and they were married for over 64 years. They had two children. Jerre Sue (Peter) Hermann & James Stanley (Julie) Smith Jr.

1987 Judy formed a special relationship with her eldest granddaughter Rachael Shanna (David) Sytsma-Ramos and later her two great-grandchildren Ezra & Eliza. She & Rachael spent much time together camping, building memories, and forming a lifelong bond.

1997 she became an instant Grandmother to Nicole, Colin, Evelyn, Colbie & Morris.

2000 & 2002 she welcomed granddaughters Emily Paige Sytsma, & Natalie Elise Sytsma. 2017 Sierra Hermann was a bonus granddaughter added to the mix.

Judy worked several jobs including an “Usherette” in Lowell, Amway, US Post Office, and was a file clerk at Miller Johnson’s Law firm in Grand Rapids. She formed many long-term relationships along the way.

After moving to El Paso, Texas she became a “Realtor” and eventually returned to school at UTEP and became an Occupational Therapist. She worked in Several School systems (El Paso, TX, Harlingen, TX & eventually landed in Homosassa, Florida. She loved working with” Special Needs” students and worked well beyond her retirement as she enjoyed the job so much.

Judy was an exceptional seamstress and knitted and crocheted. She made multiple “Treasures” for the grandchildren and other family members welcoming new babies into the family. She was intelligent, loved theatre, music fashion, and art.

She loved all animals, especially her beloved cats. She loved to camp and every year would return to Michigan and camp for several weeks at Pioneer Park in Muskegon where she would visit and reconnect with family and friends.

In 2023 Judy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, but she was determined not to let her diagnosis stop her from enjoying her life. She did her best to keep up with regular dinner outings with her siblings, engage in water aerobics, line dancing and play cards as much as possible. She kept up with modern music and fashion trends and was a spitfire until the very end.

Judy entered hospice care on February 11, 2026, at the Citrus HPH Hospice House in Lecanto, Florida after a week at Bayonet Point Hospital. While in Hospice For 7 days, she was supported by her family and the wonderful hospice staff on her final leg of the journey of life. She passed away peacefully after she was able to receive good-byes from all of her favorite people; friends she’s known for over 60 years, siblings living states away, Nieces Karen and Stacy and even her furry nephews (Vicki’s & Niece Karen’s dogs).

Judy’s family would like to thank the staff at Citrus Hospice House for their loving care and support of her and her loved ones. Each one of them treated her with dignity and respect and made the painful process of saying goodbye to such a vibrant force - a bit easier.

Special thanks to: Rosa, Denise, Michele, Carrie, Jennifer, Dorothy, Tim, Happy, Deb, Scott, Elaine, Stacey, Yolanda, Emily, and Chaplin Elizabeth for everything you do.

There will be a “Celebration of LIFE “in Michigan this coming Spring or Summer. Details to be announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation in Judy’s honor.