There are condolences waiting approval on Judith's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Judith Heather Lance
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Judith.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Judith Heather Lance
Judith "Judy" Heather Lance (nee Smiley), a longtime resident of Milford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 22, 2013. She was 70 years old. Judy was born June 17, 1942, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada to the late Elsie (Cullum) Smiley (d.2001) and the late Frederick Smiley (d.1973).
Judy's family moved to the United States in 1956 where they settled in Highland Park, Michigan. Judy attended and graduated from Highland Park High in 1959. Through mutual friends she met her husband, Donald Lance. The two were married on October 13, 1960. The couple welcomed two children, a boy and a girl in the next two years and in 1966 settled in Milford. One of Judy's proudest moments was in 1995 when she officially became an American citizen.
Judy enjoyed playing bingo, knitting, traveling and her family. With her husband, Judy traveled extensively throughout the country visiting every state except Hawaii. Most recently they had taken an Alaskan cruise. She loved her trips to Las Vegas and Atlantic City where she undoubtedly would hit on the slot machines. But mostly, Judy enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.
Judy is survived by her loving husband, Donald, her children David Lance and Vicki (Mark) Goenner; grandchildren, Shannon (Mark) Schmidlin, Laura (Ryan Gillespie) Goenner, Alyssa Goenner, Douglas Lance, Ashley Ann Shepherd and ShaeLynne Lance; great-grandchild, Avery Schmidlin: her brothers, Robert (Sheila) Smiley, Kenneth (Maria) Smiley and Phillip (Kay Murphy) Smiley; her sisters, Patricia (Ronald) Vettraino, Debbie (Richard) Colenso and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and by a sister, Beverley Smiley (d. 1959).
A funeral service will be held Monday, February 25 at 11 AM at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford. Burial will follow at Milford Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 24 from 4-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Odyssey Hospice (envelopes will be available at the visitation & service). For further information, please phone Lynch & Sons Funeral Home at 248-684-6645.
