Mary J. " Judy" Feuerstein-Laux

Mary Judith “Judy” Feuerstein-Laux, 88, longtime Belding resident and teacher died Wednesday evening May 10, 2023, at Golden Life-AFC  in Greenville.  Judy was born on July 22, 1934, in Belding, the daughter of Edward D. & Dorothy (Vandenbroeck) Engemann II.

Judy graduated from Parnell High School with the Class of 1952 and later graduated from Aquinas College and held master’s degrees from University of Detroit Mercy and Grand Valley State University.  She started her teaching career at a one room school in Oakfield Township, then taught at several one and two room rural schools including, Marble School between Belding and Lowell, Smyrna School, where she taught with her mother and  was the kindergarten teacher for her younger brother Eric, Chittel School at Long Lake, the Headstart Program in Belding,  then full time for Belding Area Schools serving as a teacher at Orchard Hills and finally as principal at Hallpark Elementary.  Judy retired in 1995.  She had a life-long love of children and teaching, and thoroughly enjoyed her many years in public education, with both the students and her fellow teachers. Judy was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic church, Miriam,  was a member of the Altar Society and served on the Parish Council.  Judy enjoyed travel, especially her trips to Ireland with family and her teacher friends.  She enjoyed wintering in Florida for several years as well.  While born a city girl, Judy enjoyed  maintaining a small hobby farm, especially having a few  sheep and a big garden.

Judy was always happiest when she was with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She also loved family get togethers at holidays, birthdays, and any special occasion.  She had a huge impact on countless children in the Belding area during her teaching years and worked passionately to see each child grow and learn.  She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

Judy is loved and survived by her children Edward D. (Nancy) Feuerstein, Bruce (Joy) Feuerstein, Andrew (Jennifer) Feuerstein, all of Belding, and Amy Middlestadt of Grand Rapids, grandchildren Karen (Ken) Conklin, Angela (Kevin) Guernsey, Greg (Heather) Feuerstein, Miles (Cecelia) Feuerstein, Matthew Feuerstein, Joshua Feuerstein, Elizabeth Feuerstein, Drew Feuerstein, and Megan Middlestadt, great grandchildren Erika Conklin, Austyn Conklin, Paigelyn Guernsey, Lane Guernsey, Oliver Feuerstein, Eleanor Feuerstein, Rory Feuerstein, and Marley Feuerstein, siblings Edward D. Engemann III of Punta Gorda, Florida, Farr Hinton of North Muskegon, many extended family members and countless friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband George, her second husband Dave, her brother Eric, and her daughter Georgia Sue.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM,  Tuesday, May 16, 2023,  at St. Mary Catholic Church,  Miriam with Father Jim Wyse presiding. Committal prayers will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday from 4-8 PM, with a rosary prayed at 7:30  at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding.   Memorials may be given to St. Mary Church, Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan, or Belding Library.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at the church. 

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