Judith Ann (Jordan - Brock) Heath, age 82, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025 after a brief illness in Holland, Michigan. Her sons — Bob, Brian, and Brad Brock — invite family and friends to celebrate her life, share stories, and honor her memory at a remembrance service to be held at First United Methodist Church on October 17, 2025 at 4 pm. Visitation will take place at 3 pm prior to the service, with a reception to follow. Her cremated remains will be buried at Holland's Pilgrim Cemetery alongside her parents and brothers, Carl Jr. and William, who all preceded her in death.

Born in Holland in 1943, Judy was a graduate of Holland High School, Class of 1961. She was the daughter of Carl Deforest Jordan and Jeannette (Bronson) Jordan — both rooted in traditions of food, family, and faith. Her parents ran Jordan's Delicatessen from 1951-1968 on West 8th Street, in the space now occupied by Taco+Bar, instilling in Judy the values of hard work and hospitality.

Judy's heritage was deeply intertwined with the Holland area: from Dutch settlers on the Bronson side who arrived from the Netherlands in 1847, to colonial American lineage on the Jordan side. She briefly lived in Fremont, Michigan, during her childhood while her family ran a restaurant there, before returning home to Holland — the place that would shape the rest of her life.

After high school, Judy married Danial Brock, whom she met while vacationing at her family's property in Gaylord, Michigan. Together they had three sons in Holland. In 1971, at a time when it was still uncommon, Judy courageously pursued and was granted a divorce — securing custody of her boys and creating a safe and loving home. Despite the financial challenges of being a single parent, she persevered with quiet strength and relentless dedication.

Judy spent over 30 years working for the State of Michigan, Department of Social Services as a Family Independence case worker, helping families access food stamps and other critical assistance programs. She was especially passionate about supporting women navigating divorce and seeking independence — a cause close to her heart. In her spare time, she even did light bookkeeping and prepared tax returns, which she continued into her senior years.

In her retirement years, Judy spent time in Mesa, Arizona, where she met the love of her life, Lenard Heath. They were married in August 2007 at First United Methodist Church in Holland. The couple maintained homes in Mesa and Zeeland, eventually settling in Zeeland until Len's passing in 2013. Judy and Len loved traveling the US in their motor home to see the sites while visiting friends and family along the way.

Judy lived with vibrancy and purpose. In the 1970s and 1980s, she was active in the Ottawa County Republican Party and proudly served as a delegate to the 1984 Republican National Convention. Politically she was fiercely independent, especially in recent years. She was also an avid bridge player, drawn to the strategy and connection the game required — often comparing it to the give-and-take of a good marriage. In her younger years, she sewed Dutch costumes and Halloween costumes for her boys. In her retirement years, she sewed various quilts, baby changing pads, table runners, and reusable shopping bags as gifts for family and friends. Judy's love language was cooking and baking. She nourished others not just with meals, but with her kindness, compassion, and storytelling.

In addition to her sons Bob, Brian and Brad and their spouses, Judy is survived by grandchildren Audrey Brock, Amanda (Brock) Clark, Alexander Brock, and Taylor (Brock) VanLangevelde; sister-in-law Barbara (Wiggers) Jordan, nephews Bill and Jim Jordan and their families; nieces Alex Chapa, Meagan Jordan, and Kelly Jordan. She also leaves behind many beloved in-laws, both current and former, as well as bonus children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who cherished her presence in their lives.

Judy's sons and grandchildren remember her in the following heartfelt ways:

 Audrey : "A strong, independent woman. A survivor who never gave up when things got tough."
 Amanda : "Kind, adventurous, and creative."
 Alex : "She's always been there for us. She has said she was a better grandmother than a mother. She always wanted to help more than she could."
 Taylor : "Compassionate, kind, fun-loving, storyteller, and a great baker."
 Bob : "Her love language is cooking food and baking for others. She liked to stay on the move. She was a good, loyal friend to others."
 Brian : "She loved maintaining longtime friendships and making new friends wherever she went. She was always willing to indulge me in my favorite meals in my hometown. She always showed up for people."
 Brad : "I will always remember my mom as a caring and thoughtful mother and grandmother. Someone who was always on-the-go socializing and helping those in need. She also loved baking and made the best banana bread that she would share with others to brighten their day."

Her legacy lives on in the meals she made, the stories she told, and the strength she passed down through generations. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever honored.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Judy's name to Resilience to end domestic violence or First United Methodist Church of Holland