Judy Ann McFarland

McFarland, Judy Ann, age 78, loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend to many received her heavenly angel wings, and joined her Lord and Savior whom she so loved on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022.
She was in her own home, surrounded by the comfort of her beloved family.  Judy was born on September 20, 1943, in Bay City, Michigan to the late Howard, and Wilma (Valade) Chambers.  Judy had a lifelong deep faith in God, and attended St. Mary's High School, followed by attendance in the first class of Delta College, and Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelor Degree in Education.  She later retired in 1999 from Consumers Power Company (Consumers Energy).  Judy is survived by the love of her life, Thomas M. McFarland, whom she married on January 2, 1965, at St. Mary's Parish.  They celebrated 57 years of a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter, and a shared faith in the Lord.  Judy is also survived by her son, Jeffrey McFarland; daughter Kelly Jo (Brian) Bowsher; and son Matthew (Amy) McFarland.  She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Alexis, and Blake Herzog; Maegan, and Nathan (Nicole) McFarland; and Geoffrey Burdanowicz.  She is also survived by her niece, Carrie (Thomas) Owczarzak, along with many other nieces and nephews.  Judy was preceded in death by her loving parents, Howard and Wilma (Valade) Chambers; and sister Marilyn (Clarence) Coppinger.
Judy lived a life filled with a wonderful faith in her God.  She was a devoted Catholic.  St. Mary's was her home parish, and she would later build on her deep faith at the Holy Trinity (Corpus Christi) Parish with her husband, Tom and family.  She cherished singing in the choir at Corpus Christi Parish on Sundays, and for other masses when needed.  Family was everything to Judy.  She dearly loved spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren.  She enjoyed being active by bowling on a league with Tom, and with her daughter Kelly.  She also loved to play golf, and she knew how to hit a four iron.  Being a born educator, through song, laughter, and rhyme she taught her children to read early, and felt strongly about acquiring a higher education, and would support her children in doing so.  Judy insisted on traveling with her children and husband, all the while singing, laughing, and reading along the way.  She and Tom enjoyed many trips to their time-share destinations, often sharing the beautiful trips with family.  She had a great love of many dear friends with whom she shared grand adventures, and many laughs and hugs.  Judy was an angel on earth.  She was compassionate, generous, faithful, devoted, and had a determination within her that helped her to achieve many things.  She would light up a room with her smile and beautiful blue eyes.  Judy was a two-time cancer survivor, and would later fight the biggest battle of her life, against the unrelenting foe, Alzheimer's.  We would like to thank Dr. Ibtihaj Rajoulh for her care of mom throughout her life; Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care; and the Comfort Keepers Organization and mom's special caregivers.  She is now free from the chains of Alzheimer's, her suffering is over, and she is dancing in heaven with the God she has so loved all of her life.  Visitation will take place on Friday, May 6th, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Gephart Funeral Home, at 201 W. Midland Street, Bay City, Michigan, 48706.  Her Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, May 7th at Corpus Christi Parish, 1000 S. Wenona Ave., Bay City, Michigan, 48706 at 11:00 am.  The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Richard M. Filary with procession to follow for a Committal Service at St. Patrick's Cemetery, at 805 Ridge Road, Bay City, Michigan, 48708.  Mrs. McFarland will lie in state at the church on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choosing.