Judith Korby

Judy was born on Oct. 11, 1940, to Edward and Myrtle (Harvey) Erickson. She attended the Calumet Public Schools.

During a brief marriage in 1958, Judy gave birth to her only daughter, Margaret (Peggy) Foreman. She raised her daughter as a single parent, with the help of her own mother and father, living in the home she grew up in, and the home she would remain in her entire life. She married Robert Korby in 1980.

Judy worked for a short time with the Michigan Employment Security Commission. She then took a job at the Copper Country ISD Learning Center, starting as a clerk-typist and quickly being promoted to secretary. She was employed by the CCISD for 27 years.

Following her retirement, she volunteered at Cypress Manor in Hancock and then found her new calling as a volunteer at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital. She initially served as a greeter and then became an assistant in the Human Resources Department, an assignment that she truly loved. She spent 15 years as a volunteer at the hospital.

During her working and volunteering careers she made many good friends and was trusted as a very reliable and organized employee, always striving to do everything the best way possible.

Though she considered herself shy and lived a simple life, Judy could strike up a conversation with anyone and was well liked in the community. She wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone who needed it, friends and strangers alike. She had a generous nature, an independent spirit and a youthful energy for the majority of her years.

Judy enjoyed doing housework, painting, yard work and snow removal, some of which defied logic considering her petite size and age. Her real “hobby” in life was helping others in any capacity she could, and if it included physical work she would offer it. With great joy and enthusiasm she helped with renovations on her daughter’s home at the spritely young age of 70.

She enjoyed the long phone calls she had with her wonderful friends, and visits from those who lived nearby. Most of all she treasured the plentiful time she spent with her daughter. Judy and Peggy were often referred to as a “team.” They both worked for the CCISD, and even though they saw each other there, they still found time to do things together in the evenings and on weekends. Judy also enjoyed watching light-hearted comedies and reruns of wholesome old 1960s TV shows in her spare time.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gerald Erickson; husband, Bob; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as several beloved pets, most recently her cat, Daisy.

She is survived by her daughter, Peggy (Foreman) Myllyoja; and Peggy’s long-time boyfriend, Marty Feira of Laurium; as well as their cat, Tootsie (her special grand-kitty). She is also survived by several cousins.

The family wants to thank the doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and other staff at Aspirus Keweenaw for their compassionate care given to Judy, as well as the outpouring of emotional support they provided. Thank you also to the wonderful friends who visited during her brief stay at the hospital. Your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.

At Judy’s request, private services will be held for close friends and family. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests a donation to Keweenaw Spay-Neuter Assistance Group, the Copper Country Humane Society or your favorite charity in Judy’s name.

Erickson-Crowley-Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for the family can be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.