Judy Disney, 89

Judith Brockway Disney, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at American House in Charlevoix, with her loved ones by her side.
She was born July 3, 1931, in Lakewood, Ohio, a daughter of Gerald F. and Elizabeth (Brockway) Disney.
Judy graduated from Culver-Stockton University with a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught for several years in Illinois before moving to Sturgis in 1967, where she also taught, and eventually became principal of the elementary school. She also sold real estate and worked at Vogt’s Flower Shop before retiring.
Her pride and joy was being the owner of the oldest standing brick mill in Michigan, which she restored to working order over the course of time. Judy loved organic gardening and was a creative chef.
Judy also loved to travel. She took trips here in the United States as well as all over Europe and China. At the age of 65, Judy decided to take in three foreign exchange students for the school year. Fast forward 10 years, and she had hosted 11 total! She allowed them to cook food from their home country, have friends over and celebrated their own culture with each of them. She kept in touch with each of them long after they moved home. She will be remembered for her quick wit, dry sense of humor and her innate ability to tell stories.
Judith is survived by her two sisters, Susan (Jim) Mabee of Charlevoix and Patience (Robert) Wiegand of Grand Rapids; 20 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Gerald B. Disney and Michael Disney; and two sisters, Anne Kloster and Jill Frenzke.
Judy’s family will hold a private celebration of her life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ehlers-Danlos Society, 1732 1st Ave. #20373, New York, NY 10128; or AdvisaCare Hospice, 124 N Division St., Traverse City, MI 49684.
Arrangements are in the care of the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.