Judith DeRyke ’63 Dunn

On Sunday August 13, 2023, Judith (“Judy”) Kay Dunn passed peacefully at age 82 from sarcoma cancer. She is survived by her four children John (Deb), Ann Marie ’92, Mark  ’96 (Chanda), Steve ’96 (Tara ’96), and her grandchildren: Madison, Courtney ’21 (Jack Hamilton), Jack, Lauren, Jake, Tommy, Ava, Steve and Nick. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, August 19, at 11 am at Eastminister Church, East Lansing, MI. Donations may be made to Eastminister or the Friends of East Lansing Seniors (P.O. Box 261, East Lansing, MI 48826).

Greeting everyone with a beaming smile and sparkling blue eyes, Judy was a beloved member of the East Lansing community. Her early years were spent in Grand Rapids. Judy was born on March 2, 1941, at Blodgett Hospital to parents Henry and Viola DeRyke. Recognized as the “Most Outstanding Student” for her class, Judy gave the commencement address when she graduated from Union High School in 1959. She continued her education at Hope College where she was recognized as the Top Biology Student for her class (with a commemorative plaque still on display in the Biology Department). While at Hope College, Judy caught the eye of fellow student John S. Dunn. Shortly after they graduated from college in 1963, the two married June 8, 1963. The active pair enjoyed a full life together for 51 years before John passed in September 2014.

Judy taught biology at St. Clair Shores and in Edinburgh, Scotland (during John’s medical fellowship). After raising her four children, she returned to work at the East Lansing Prime Time Seniors Program. She helped establish “Friends of East Lansing Seniors” to help fund future events and was active with Meals on Wheels. She would also join her husband John Dunn (M.D. Ophthalmology) in St. Lucia to provide support at the local community hospital there.

Judy’s favorite hobbies included time up north at her cottage with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, playing bridge and Rummy Tile, hanging out with her grandchildren, and baking delicious desserts (which she generously shared with others). Judy was a loving and spirited wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and she will be greatly missed.