Judith Ann DePetro

Born on December 24, 1939, in Marquette, Judy was the daughter of Ted and Evelyn “Sis” (Kuhn) Greenleaf. Raised in Marquette, she enjoyed a childhood filled with music and family. Her parents performed locally with their band, Two Jacks and a Queen, and from an early age Judy and her brother, Neil, joined the act by singing and dancing. Together, they entertained audiences at the former Palestra Ice Arena and at various small-town venues.

Judy graduated from Bishop Baraga High School with the Class of 1957, where she participated in cheerleading throughout all four years. Shortly after graduation, she began her working career at Getz’s Department Store, where her friendly personality, kindness, and strong work ethic was quickly noticed by both customers and management.

On August 29, 1959, Judy was united in marriage to Anthony “Tony” DePetro at St. Christopher Catholic Church. They established their home and began raising a family. Judy returned to work at Getz’s before embarking on a long and rewarding career with the Marquette Area Public Schools. She served as the head of the Reading Room at Whitman Elementary School, and later worked in several capacities at Marquette Senior High School.

Judy was a woman of generosity who was never content to sit idle. For many years, she and Tony lovingly cared for her mother, Evelyn “Sis” Greenleaf, and Tony’s sister, Mary DePetro.

In her leisure time, Judy enjoyed card games of every kind, especially Bridge. Friday evenings were often reserved for family card games, and she treasured regular gatherings with her ladies’ Bridge foursome. She will also be remembered for her remarkable packing skills, somehow managing to fit everything neatly into a suitcase without wrinkling a single item. It was a talent she happily passed along to her traveling grandchildren. Throughout her life she also enjoyed dancing at every opportunity.

Above all else, Judy cherished her family. They were the center of her life and the source of her greatest happiness. Her warm smile, gentle heart, and steadfast love will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Judy was a faithful member of St. Michael Catholic Church and regularly supported the altar society.

Judy is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Tony DePetro; her daughter, Wendy (Charles) Custard; grandchildren, Anthony (Bri) Custard, Amanda (Chris) Gethers, and C.J. Custard; great-grandchildren, Konner McMaster, Isaac McMaster, Josie Custard, and Ava Custard; sisters, Trisha (Tim) Finlan and Barb Young; brothers, Neil Greenleaf and Fred (Robin) Molby; sister-in-law, Mary DePetro; special nieces, Pam (Jeff) Cornock and their children, Shawn Cornock and Sydney (Phil) Beaulieu; Kelly (Pat) Lynch and daughters, Sophie and Hannah; along with numerous cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Therese DePetro; and her sister-in-law, Jan Greenleaf.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Michael Catholic Church on Saturday, June 13, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon, with Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick officiating. A reception will follow in the Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church or a charity of donor’s choice.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com