Julia "Judy" A. VandeWouwer

Julia Anne VandeWouwer, “Judy”, passed away Saturday September 30, 2023, in Kalamazoo. She was born June 10, 1938, in Lipscomb, AL, a daughter of William and Evelyn (Brasher) Colwell.

Judy grew up in Lipscomb, AL hanging out with her many cousins and trying to stay out of trouble as best she could. She married at 16 and moved to Savannah, GA where she graduated high school and had her first child. Judy then moved to Kalamazoo, MI with her husband once his tour of duty was complete. She went to work with the then named Michigan Bell, starting on the frames, and working her way into supervision, spending 32 years with the company.

On February 12, 1982, Judy was united in marriage to Marinus “Van” VandeWouwer with whom she enjoyed camping with the Pioneers and in later years wintered in Florida.

Judy was preceded in death by Van on January 31, 2010. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jerald Colwell. Judy is survived by her children, Steven (Linda) DeSmit, David DeSmit, Kelly Sue DeSmit, Daniel DeSmit, Mark (Carol) VandeWouwer, Paul VandeWouwer, and Carol (Ron) Marche; twelve grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Dana (Dan) Davis; and several nieces and nephews.

Judy’s family will receive guests at 10:00 Friday morning, October 6, 2023, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th, Kalamazoo MI 49009. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 and immediately following the service there will be a light luncheon. Private entombment services will be held in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Alzheimer’s Association. To view Judy’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com