Judy Popard
Judy (Hekler) Popard, of Okemos, Michigan, passed away November 26, 2023, at the age of 77. Judy was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Joe and Sophie Hekler. After graduating from Sexton High School, she went to work at Fox’s Jewelers where she met her husband Wayne. She and Wayne shared 57 years of marriage and had two sons, Jeff and Jason.Judy had a passion for singing and spent many years making countless friends and lifelong memories singing with The Sweet Adelines. Despite many health struggles, Judy never lost her optimism, fighting spirit, and zest for life. Her favorite times were spent at her “happy place” on Upper Herring Lake with her family and friends.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Paula Jo “PJ”, and her son Jason.
She is survived by her husband Wayne, son Jeff (Michelle), grandsons Colin and Cameron, brother Joel (Sue) Hekler, sister Tina (Tom) Garove, Gail Kessler who she considered a sister, Liz Newell who she considered a daughter, many nieces and nephews, and friends that she loved as family.
Per her wishes, there will be no funeral service. Judy instead wanted people to remember her as they last saw her during the good times they had spent together. We will be having a celebration of Judy’s life when the weather turns warmer. She never liked this cold winter season.
Judy was treated at Henry Ford Hospital for almost 15 years. She made friends easily wherever she went, so it’s no surprise that she became very close with many of the nurses, doctors, and staff that helped with her care. To say thank you to her caregivers, please consider making a donation to the Henry Ford Transplant Institute Center for Living, or any other Henry Ford program that is important to you.
A private burial will take place in East Lawn Memory Gardens. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.
12 Messages to “Judy Popard”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Barb Melvin
November 28, 2023 at 3:10 pmWayne and Jeff:
I was so sorry to read of Judy’s passing. I’m sure Jeff doesn’t remember, but Wayne. I’ll always cherish the memories of all of us living on Rayborn. My prayers and heartfelt thoughts are with you all.
Elizabeth zReeve
November 28, 2023 at 3:13 pmShe was a great lady . I enjoyed her singing in many quartets and in Mason and Waterlad Chorus. I had the pleasure of talking to her at length at a memorial for one of ou past Chorus members.Linda Diamond. She will be missed but I Ave several fond memories of her. One is whe the Electoc Chordd sang at my daughter’s wedding in 1994.
Todd Cowan
November 28, 2023 at 3:52 pmShe was always so nice to us as kids. My thoughts and prayers for Mr. Popard, Jeff, family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Edward & Jeanne Denham
November 28, 2023 at 4:29 pmGoing to miss her. Great friend for booko years. Ed & Jeanne Denham
Debbie French
November 28, 2023 at 7:57 pmI knew Judy when we were young parents and our boys were best friends. Judy was always kind and considerate of me even though our paths diverged. Over the years I have been impressed by her ability to care for others even when things were not going well for her. I know her family will find comfort remembering and honoring her life.
Christa
November 28, 2023 at 9:38 pmTLC Sisters Trio…..Judy worked with us weekly, and taught us that beautiful harmonies would make beautiful memories. Judy, you are our beautiful memory.
Lyniece Whetzel
November 29, 2023 at 3:36 amUncle Wayne n Jeff! I’m so sorry too hear of the passing of Aunt Judy. I remember all the times that Aunt Judy would come too Va n the good times we all had. aunt Judy was a wonderful women we will greatly Miss her. RIP AUNT JUDY W LOTS OF LOVE TOO EVERYONE. We Love U guys. Love Lyniece ,Jeff n the family
Mitch McNamara
November 29, 2023 at 8:20 amWayne
So sorry for you loss My thoughts and prayers are with you
Mitch
Erica heishman
November 29, 2023 at 9:00 amUncle Wayne and Jeff I’m so sorry for your loss. Judy was an amazing woman and caring.
Diane Kennedy
November 29, 2023 at 10:22 amOf all the Sweet Adelines that have passed, Judy’s made me very sad. She was an angel on earth and now she is an angel in heaven with her son and sister. There were many Adelines at God’s gate to greet her! Blessings to her family and her puppies as they take each day without her.
Kathy ELLEN Chiesa
November 29, 2023 at 8:48 pmRIP Judy
Theresa Rush
November 29, 2023 at 10:46 pmUncle Wayne and Jeff, I’m sorry for your loss! We will celebrate Judy on her birthday as my daughter shares the same date. Love you guys!!