Judith “Judy” Rota

After being diagnosed with cancer, three years ago, an angel was sent to help her with her courageous battle. Her friend, live-in caregiver, and the woman who ended up being the daughter she never had, Kelly Tapini, provided Judy with the best most wonderful care she could have ever asked for.

She was born on December 8, 1943, in Laurium, to John and Jenny (Sullivan) Ninko.

Judy attended Sacred Heart High School and Calumet High School. She graduated from Calumet High School with the Class of 1962.

Following high school, she began working at Warala Drug Store. She worked there until 1967.

Judy and her soon to be husband, Jerry purchased the Vansville Bar in Phoenix, from Jerry’s parents. This began the 3rd generation to operate the Vansville Bar.

On June 8, 1968, Judy married Jerry Rota at the Sacred Heart Church in Calumet.

Judy was known for her hard work ethic, great sense of humor and “say it like it is” attitude, but even more for her huge heart, kindness and caring for others.

Judy had a passion for reading, that passion for reading gave her a vast knowledge of many subjects. She always enjoyed a difficult crossword puzzle. She truly enjoyed cooking, baking and loved watching a great tennis match.

Judy spent 49 years married to the love of her life, Jerry. She was a wonderful, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She always took pride in caring for her boys.

She was a member of the Keweenaw A.T.V. Club, The Keweenaw Sportsman Club, Michigan Sheriffs Association, Keweenaw County Jury Board and the Copper Country Snowmobiling Club.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Rota of Phoenix; her sons, Michael (Kathy) Rota and their sons, Bryce, Matthew and Dawson of Quinnesec, Jason Rota and his son, Lauer of Fulton; sister, Anna Mae Lehto of Idaho Falls, Idaho; brothers, Jack (Valerie) Ninko of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jim (Pat) Ninko of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Kivela of Hancock, Gloria Peterson of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; brothers-in-law, James Rota of Ahmeek, Bob (Pat) Rota of Denver, Colorado; her friend who was like a sister, Charlsie Antikainen of Calumet; special friend and daughter she always wanted, Kelly Tapani of Phoenix; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Judy’s wish, cremation has taken place.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017, at the Siskiwit Reception Hall. The times will be announced on a later date.

Online condolences for the family, may be left at ericksoncrowleypeterson .com.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.