Judith “Judy” Joanne (Washer) Myers, born on April 25, 1936 in Sheldon, IA to Earl and Julia Washer, died on June 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was a visionary about the importance of quality early education for children, spending much of her life working toward that goal. She embodied the sentiment, expressed by Nelson Mandela, that “history will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.”

Judith “Judy” Myers

Judy grew up in Sheldon, IA as a vivacious and engaged young woman – taking part in school musicals, leading the marching band as the drum majorette, and playing the timpani in the orchestra. In high school, she met Ted Myers, her best friend’s older brother, with whom she fell in love.

Ted and Judy were married on April 22, 1957 in Sheldon, with much of the town in attendance. They returned to Iowa City to finish college — Judy a degree in education and Ted through to medical school — and welcomed their first child a year later. Five more children followed in quick succession, with the youngest arriving in Albert Lea, where they settled down to raise their children and become active members of the community — Ted building his medical practice and Judy doing her best to raise their six children to be progressive thinkers and doers, while also supporting all of their activities and sports. In 1969, responding to the need she saw for working mothers to have affordable, stimulating care for their children, she and her friend Sue Crawford, founded the Albert Lea Community Child Care Center (still thriving today!). Later, Judy helped sustain a Montessori school in Albert Lea and spent many years raising much-needed funds for the United Way of Freeborn County. In recognition of her many contributions to the community, Judy received the Albert Lea Service to Mankind Award in 1992.

In retirement, Judy had the time to pursue some of her favorite hobbies, such as journaling, meditation, and taking care of her Japanese garden. She also spent a lot of time with her grandchildren, attending their events, enjoying meals with them, and giving them lots of love. Judy also enjoyed spending summers at the family cabin, alongside her husband Ted.

Judy was a wonderful, spirited, and loving mother, grandma, and great grandmother, and a fascinating and delightful friend. She touched so many lives; it was an honor to have had her be part of ours. Judy, enjoy your time with Ted, Earl, Julia, and the rest of your loved ones. We love you very much and miss you dearly.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Theodore Myers, her parents Earl and Julia Washer, and her younger brothers James, Jerome, and Jesse. She is survived by her children: Marcie (Kathleen) Myers of Minneapolis; Melinda Myers of Moffat, CO; Thomas (Ann) Myers of Lakeville; Julie (Robert) Urban of Stillwater; Matthew (Michelle) Myers of Chanhassen; and William (Judy) Myers of Salt Lake City, UT; grandchildren; Rebecca (Joe) Egstad, Casey (Erica) Myers, Christian (Elena) Myers; Corey (Hillary) Myers, Maeve Myers, Daly Myers, Keely Myers, Mari Myers, Etta Myers; step grandchildren: Kim (Kevin) Rumpza; great grandchildren: Jessica Rumpza; Ruth and Isabel Myers; great greats: Matthew, Amyah and Le’Lani. Sisters-in law Isabel Steele of Marine on St Croix and Gloria Myers of Salt Lake City and brother-in law Dr. Franklin (Helen) Myers of Madison, WI.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, MN (2210 E Main St), with a visitation beginning at 9:00 am. All are invited to a lunch reception following the celebration. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting www.BonnerupFuneralServices.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Judith’s honor be directed to the organization she founded in 1969, The Children’s Center of Albert Lea, 605 James Avenue, Albert Lea, MN, 56007.