Judy Kay Sopeland

Born to Robert (Bob) and Virginia (Virgie) Sopeland on November 20, 1950 in Ames, IA, Judy was the oldest of four children and the only daughter. In 10th grade, she started dating Charles (Charlie) Winslow, whom she’d met and befriended in 3rd grade when their elementary schools merged.

Following high school graduation, Judy attended St. Olaf College, while Charlie pursued his degree at Stanford. After two years in Minnesota, Judy transferred to University of California in San Francisco to be closer to Charlie. While completing their undergraduate studies in California, they enjoyed taking hikes with their dogs and spending time with Charlie’s brother, Tom, as well as older sister, Mimi, and her partner (later husband), Chris.

On the autumn equinox in 1973, Judy and Charlie tied the knot in the presence of family and friends in their hometown of Spencer, IA. Soon after, they moved to Iowa City, so Charlie could attend medical school at the University of Iowa. During Charlie’s long road to becoming a neonatologist, Judy helped support their life together by working her way up the ladder at several banks. The pair spent more than a decade of marriage living in several different states, where they made numerous friends and memories together, including weekly line dancing excursions in Houston, TX and testing out the local cuisine in Tulsa, OK.

Judy and Charlie moved to East Grand Rapids, MI in 1985 after Charlie accepted a job at Blodgett Hospital (to start a NICU program). Knowing few people upon their arrival and expecting their first child, they were quickly welcomed into the community and began forming friendships, many of which would come to be lifelong.

Judy was a devoted stay-at-home mom to her two children, Michael (Mikey) and Sarah. After the kids were in school, she spent many hours volunteering at their schools and extracurricular activities. She loved her children more than anything and supported them in all their endeavors, similarly to how she supported Charlie in his career.

As a family, they enjoyed spending time with the Princeton Blvd neighbors, attending Fountain Street Church, visiting out-of-town family, boating on Reeds Lake, supporting the local performing arts scene, and vacationing with close friends. Judy in particular loved to host gatherings of all kinds, from Thanksgiving dinners (which always included lefse) and 4th of July BBQs to bridal showers, fundraisers, and even Halloween Monster Mashes.

As her children grew older, she became increasingly involved in volunteer activities for multiple nonprofit organizations, such as the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation, CARE Ballet, and the Kent County Medical Alliance Foundation. Whether serving as a board treasurer, fundraiser, administrative genius, or go-to volunteer for just about anything, Judy generously shared her time and talents with the community. Together, Judy and Charlie received the Sheila Pantlind Award, recognizing their outstanding contributions to East Grand Rapids High School’s theatre program.

Judy led a life dedicated to serving and caring for others. She loved her people fiercely and had an enormous heart, which she wore on her sleeve. She genuinely and thoroughly enjoyed bringing people together, putting a smile on someone’s face, and helping out where she could. She was the kind of person who would smile and cheer with you in the joyful moments and hold your hand with tears in her eyes during the sad ones. She remembered all the special dates for everyone in her circle, and always had the perfect card with a thoughtful handwritten note inside that made you feel seen while reading it. She had a meal for every occasion, and for the extra special ones, would often make her famous Judy Cake or Okoboji (carrot cake) Bars. And you certainly couldn’t leave without taking leftovers, nor a 15- to 30-minute conversation by the door. In the last couple of years of her life, she found immense joy and purpose as “Nanna” and regular caregiver to her beloved grandson, Felix. Her family and friends meant the world to her.

She leaves behind her dear husband of over 50 years, Charles Winslow; children, Mikey (Emily Ambs) Winslow and Sarah Winslow; grandson, Felix Winslow; brothers, Mark (Becky) Sopeland, David (Laura) Sopeland, Russ (Freddie) Sopeland; and many cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life honoring Judy will be held on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 AM at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

A one-hour visitation will take place from 10:00–11:00 AM, giving family and friends an opportunity to gather and share memories with Judy’s loved ones before the service.

In honor of Judy’s vibrant spirit, please wear bright, joyful colors as we celebrate her life and the love she brought to so many.