Judith Knowles Lemmen

Our beloved Judith (Judy) was born August 9, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan to James Knowles and Edith Kemsley Knowles. Her father, an engineer at Ford Motor Company, was transferred by the company throughout her childhood so she became adept to making new friends in Chicago and Cincinnati before returning to Bloomfield Hills around the age of ten.

She graduated from Birmingham High School in 1960. During these years she would become part of an amazing group of women affectionately called the “Nurds.” They became her life-long sisters in every sense of the word. They shared in celebrations, consoled one another, had families who were known as “Nurdlings,” and these children became friends as well. After graduating in 1960, Judy attended and graduated from Michigan State University and pursued a teaching degree.

It was on Friday, November 22, 1963, at Michigan State, that Judy and her future husband met. It was the day John F. Kennedy died, and Gary was picking her roommate up for a date. Judy was already engaged to another man, but Gary took one look into her blue eyes and thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world. About 3 months later, he called their apartment and when Judy answered the phone, Gary inquired about her fiancée, and she replied they were no longer together. Gary informed her he would be there in ten minutes to get her, and they were going on a date to a coffee shop. And they have been together ever since. They married June 25, 1965, at Christ Church Cranbrook and had their reception at Oakland Hills Country Club.

Judy and Gary went on to receive two beloved children through the gift of adoption. First, Gerrit B. Lemmen II, known as Chip in 1970. Upon Chip’s arrival, Judy became a full-time mother dedicating every moment of her life to their new son. Their daughter, Jenifer Lemmen Schrader, arrived in 1974 and she rejoiced in having both a son and daughter. The same year Jenifer arrived into their lives, they spent every cent they had on purchasing a home on Forest Lake in Bloomfield Hills, where they have resided ever since. They wanted their children to have a magical childhood on the lake and be able to swim, fish and run amok filled with friends and family. Judy was talented in so many ways including all her beloved cooking, gardening, and sewing skills. She would create entire bedrooms, clothing, and costumes on her sewing machine. Her passion for knitting resulted in countless blankets, sweaters, and baby clothes for her grandchildren. She never sat still for long unless she was working on a project.

Judy loved nothing more than sharing her love with her family. She dedicated her life to her children’s pursuits and was the ultimate team mom. From baseball and soccer fields for Chip to horse shows around the country for Jenifer and swim meets at Forest Lake Country Club for both kids, she was at every event cheering them on regardless of the weather or the location. The friends she made through her children’s sports became some of her dearest friends in her life all the way until the end. And when she finally had moments to herself, she was always signing up for leagues and activities. Bowling and Bridge, Altar Guild and the Rummage Sale at Christ Church Cranbrook, flower arranging classes and the golf league at The Village Club. Whatever Judy participated in; she would meet people that became a part of her life for her remaining days.

It was becoming a grandmother where Judy really shined. Because of all the talents and love she had for her children; they went into overdrive for her six adored grandchildren. They were the highlights of her life and there was never a moment of hesitation when one of them would ask to go for a walk, make cookies, read a book, sing a song, or simply give them a hug. She relished the moments she was able to spend with them as they discovered the world. Her innate teaching heart was filled with the patience that her children did not necessarily have during those early years of parenting. She was known for whisking away a fussy baby or guiding a toddler having a tantrum and soothing them in only a way a grandmother can. She also became the voice of reason when they reached their teenage years and no longer listened to their parents.

She and Gary spent later years splitting their time between their homes in Michigan and Stuart, Florida where they resided in Willoughby Country Club. Gary never really retired so Judy joined the golf league, learned mah-jongg, and proceeded to fill their calendars with more social engagements and invitations than Gary had energy for at times. She loved her friends there and even after they decided to return full time to Michigan, she continued talking on the phone to them on a weekly basis without fail.

Throughout amassing her rather large army of friends, Judy took her responsibilities quite seriously. If there was a reason to celebrate, she was the loudest cheerleader. If there was a time of illness or loss, she was always prepared to make her homemade chicken noodle soup and brownies. The soup affectionately became known as her “Episcopal Penicillin.” Her love language was act of services to others and she performed them thousands and thousands of times upon those that she loved.

Judy will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to have her in their lives with her grace, humility, and love. She is survived by her number one fan, her husband of almost 60 years, Gerrit B. Lemmen. Her son, Chip (Stephanie) Lemmen of Grosse Pointe Park, MI, and her daughter Jenifer (Cameron Z) Schrader of Bloomfield Hills, MI. Her beloved and adored grandchildren include Charlie, Natalie, Lauren and Nathan Lemmen and Ellie and Emmett Schrader. She was truly thankful for her son and daughter-in-law who she loved and respected deeply and their families that had become a part of her own.

A visitation and memorial service for Judy will be held May 30, 2025, at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Visitation begins at 10:00am to 11:00am followed by the memorial service at 11:00am with a reception to follow.

The family requests that donations be made in her honor to Oakland Family Services or the American Cancer Society