Judy Russell passed away peacefully in St. Joseph, MN on April 24, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. She was 85 years old.
Born in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, Judy graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She had a lifelong love of reading, sparked in childhood by her treasured horse, Baldy, and a passion for horse books.
Judy’s career centered around education, writing, and advocacy. She taught English, wrote grants, and loved editing. Her teaching roles included work in north Minneapolis, at MIGIZI, the Heart of the Earth Survival School, and Job Corps in St. Paul. She found great meaning in serving underserved populations through education and volunteer work.
Active in civic life, Judy was a member of the League of Women Voters and served on the local school board while raising her children. She believed in education, social justice, and opportunity for all—holding steadfast to the principle that all people are created equal and deserve access to education, healthcare, and meaningful work.
Judy was spiritually nourished by her community at Peace Church and her centering prayer group, which brought her peace and purpose. She became a proud member of Peace Church and a certified centering prayer leader.
She loved the outdoors, especially swimming in and sailing on Lake Superior. Judy also enjoyed travel to New York, Hawaii, Arizona, Alaska, New Mexico, Egypt, Ireland, and England. She was a business woman owning and operating a gift shop in Bayfield, WI and later with her Mess Management business helping people organize their homes.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Katheryn Gilbertson. She is survived by her brother, Dennis Gilbertson; her children, Susan Lau (Bill) and Mark Russell (Stacey); and her beloved grandchildren, Cameron, Emma, and Hayden Russell.
Friends will gather to celebrate Judy’s life on June 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Zvago in Duluth, Minnesota. Burial will be held at Little Norway Cemetery in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, on July 19, 2025 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food shelf. The family extends heartfelt thanks to St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.
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