Judith “Jude” Monroe Townsend, age 78, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Friday, November 1, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Virginia Monroe. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Thomas; her son, Jay and daughter, Susan (Hans) Yentz; her beloved grandchildren, Maxwell and Benjamin Yentz; sister, Nancy Foril and brother and sister-in-law, William and Sally Bowen. A native of Detroit, Jude spent many years living in Grand Haven, MI followed by many exciting stops in Asia and Europe as a companion to her husband Colonel Thomas W. Townsend during his distinguished Air Force career. Jude will be remembered as a true lady who instilled good and righteousness in her family and all those who were fortunate to know her. Jude was an accomplished self-taught artist and her many paintings, glass works, and other projects will be a lasting tribute to her zest for life. The family will receive visitors Friday, November 8 from 3 to 5 pm at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road S.E. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook S.E., Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
6 Responses
Jude will always be remembered for her great legacy of love. She was living proof that “To love and be loved is to feel the son on both sides of your face.” (St. Augustine) She impacted the lives of all who knew her with endless manifestations of her love and kindness.
My condolences to the family of Judy, my dear childhood friend, She will live on in my memory as one of the most cherished people I had the fortune to know in those long-ago Detroit days.
Jude, you were such a special person. Warm, caring, loving, smiling thru all the pain. I will miss you but remember all the wonderful times we spent years ago when the boys were little. Wonderful memories. You are now in heaven, and smiling , as always. Love and hugs to you.
As new neighbors, we are selfishly sad we could not have more time here on earth to get to know her. What little time we spent together was full of the promise of a rich friendship. Our hearts go out to Jude’s family for their loss, and to ours as well. Rest well, beautiful lady.
Jim and Mari Stone
Your darling Jude had an immense capacity for love. Her arms had a wide span and her cup was always full. She possessed a zest for life that invited people – you wanted to be near her magnetic spirit. My daughter, Divyana, was immediately welcomed into Nama’s arms and warmed by her heart. She and I will never forget her. We have hand penned cards in her immaculate handwriting and her thoughtful gift for words, forever in our keep. And Divyana holds tight to a Russian doll Nana gifted her last June on her tenth birthday. Jude is a rare breed : ever a lady and kind in a world that needs more like her. Thank you for sharing her with us. We mourn with you and adore her forever more.
Dearest Judy, we love you and miss you! We will always remember how kind you were to everyone. You will always be in our hearts. Fly with the Angels! Love and Hugs.