Judith Ann Fischer's Obituary
Judith Ann Fischer of Grand Haven, Michigan, a devoted and caring wife, loving and supportive mother, treasured grandmother and great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born in Grand Haven on June 24, 1940, to Dorothy (Buitenwert) and A. Paul Fochtman.
Judy spent countless hours throughout her childhood in Grand Haven and Oconto, Wisconsin, creating incredible memories with her six siblings. Their stories are many, and their love is deep. Judy graduated from Grand Haven Senior High School in 1958, and later attended Muskegon Community College.
On a summer day in 1957, Judy met Larry Fischer, a young man from Muskegon, as he cruised “The Oval” with friends. They were married on May 28, 1960. Together, they raised three children. Judy worked as a teacher’s aide for Grand Haven Area Public Schools, followed by years at Dunewood Pediatrics, First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven, and Bowen-Fischer Motors.
A woman of faith, unconditional love, and selfless compassion, Judy was beautiful inside and out. She was kind in spirit, gentle in heart, and full of enthusiasm and grace. She was known for her eminently caring character and her affectionate smile. Judy dedicated her life to her family, her friends, her faith community, and serving others. An endless source of comfort throughout her life, she used her gifts to provide care for many family members and friends.
As a mother, Judy was actively involved in her children’s activities, leading Cub Scouts and attending school events, concerts, and every one of her children’s athletic events. She baked Texas Sheet Cakes for the birthdays of members of the cross country team, and affectionately earned the name “Mother Fischer” for her kindhearted support of the team. Judy loved her family beyond measure, and especially cherished all of the precious moments she shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was everyone’s #1 cheerleader, and our adored Gigi!
With the heart of a passionate volunteer, Judy was a longtime member of the Memorial Day Association, and chairperson of decorating graves of deceased veterans at Lake Forest Cemetery - a family-held role of over 100 years. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary, and also a member of the Veterans Memorial Committee, and Post 28 American Legion Auxiliary, where she had served as Chaplain. Judy was a longstanding, very active member of First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven. She served as an Elder, Deacon, Stephen Minister, committee chair, Circle member and leader, and was designated a Life Member of the Presbyterian Women’s Association.
Gatherings with her siblings and their spouses - taking cruises throughout the Caribbean and spending time in Arizona in the winter, were treasured times for Judy. Her adventurous spirit led her to travels in Ireland, Scotland, England, Mexico, and many places throughout Michigan and the United States.
Judy was a welcoming people-person who put others first, loved organizing events and get-togethers, was first to sign-on for fun, and had the best laugh. She enjoyed many hours spent with her book club and craft and quilting groups. Planting beautiful gardens, running with friends, boating with family, providing Grandma Camp for her grandchildren, attending concerts with her brother, Bill, hosting parties, feeding the birds, and cheering on her favorite sports teams, especially the University of Michigan, made her heart happy. She lived her life story, and she lived it well!
Judy is lovingly remembered, and dearly missed, by her children Larry II (Kristin) Fischer of Vicksburg, Michigan, Melinda (Christopher) Mendels of Grand Haven, and Greg Fischer (Pat Muskovin), of Grand Haven; grandchildren Lindsay (Dr. David) Arboleda, Aly (Ethan) Meyer, Nicholas (Morgan) Mendels, Cody (Emma) Fischer, Mycah Fischer (Eli Hartwig), and Alison (Nick) Staib; great-grandchildren Marlowe, Macklin, and Merrick Meyer, Mason Fischer, and Camila Arboleda.
Judy is also survived by brothers Bill Fochtman and Edward Brandel; sisters Madelyn (Jack) Bauman, Marian Cox and Bobbi Ely; brother-in-law Bruce Williams; sisters-in-law Anita Fischer and Margarete Fochtman, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 62 years, Larry; brother Paul Fochtman; sisters-in-law Beverly Fochtman, Linda Brandel, Joyce Witt and Jean Williams; and brothers-in-law Ken Ely, David Cox, Jerry Fischer, and Melvin Witt.
Judy leaves her family the enduring gifts of a legacy of love, a smile to remember, and a lifetime of memories to hold dear.
A private family service and interment will take place at Lake Forest Cemetery. A Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 pm at Central Park Place in Grand Haven.
Thank you to Waterford Place in Jenison for providing Judy with the very best highly-skilled and loving care, and to Kathy and the Faith Hospice team for their expertise and compassion.
Memorial Contributions in Judy’s honor may be made to Waterford Place-Sunset Senior Communities Resident Benevolence Fund. https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E163133&id=20
Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, Grand Haven, MI. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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