Judy Ann Urynowicz of Arcata went in peace while surrounded by loved ones on November 26, 2024, leaving a void her family and friends cannot fill.

Judy, the “cutie patootie,” was born on October 14, 1950 in Jackson, Michigan. She graduated from St. Mary’s High school where she was one of 5 girls on the homecoming court (cute Jude). She moved with good friends Shirley and Vicki to Boston, Florida, then northern California where she found her “Nirvana” and settled, to raise her beloved children. She eventually moved back to Michigan, then returned to California ten years ago to be near her family.

Surviving Judy are her daughter, Kiki Urynowicz whose son Rocco and she also reside in Arcata, her daughter Larissa Urynowicz of Hawaii, and son Tyler Jamison-Urynowicz, his wife Kayla and their son River of Georgia. Judy’s loving brother Tom Urynowicz of Jackson, Michigan and sister, Mary Jo (Dennis) Steffens of Grand Rapids, Michigan will never forget their sister. Other survivors are nephews, Mark Kloack of Houston,Texas, Ryan (Liz) Steffens, Travis (Kaelee) Steffens and niece Sarah Steffens as well as great- nieces Melanie, Madelyn and -nephew, Christopher (Ryan/Liz’s children) and great-nephew Rohen and -niece Rosalie (Travis/Kaelee’s children) of Grand Rapids. The family will never forget the love Judy brought to their lives. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Alphons Urynowicz, brother Alphonse Jr.(Sonny) Urynowicz, sister Ann Kloack-Urynowicz, and nephew, Ansel Kloack.

Judy worked hard as a mother of three children. She was an antique and collectible dealer for 40 years, as the owner operator of Private Collections in Crescent City and Judy’s Eclectic Collection in Jackson. She was well known around the local Arcata flea market venues selling her wares and spreading her joy. Judy also volunteered at the McKinleyville Senior Resouce Center.

Judy was a good friend of Bill’s and many others with whom she shared her joyful personality, hearty easy laugh, big giving heart and kind soul. She was open, honest and “down to earth,” preferred to live a simple, natural lifestyle, and was an “original hippie” who was free-spirited, easygoing, warm-hearted and loving. She never lost her joy despite trials and tribulations. Judy loved going “garage sailing” and to estate sales. She enjoyed good coffee, eating, and sharing time and space with family and special friends, Nita, Ricky, Judy, Jennifer and Linda.

Judy appreciated old, beautiful, or cute, unique and varied items and built collections of roosters, books, greeting cards, holy cards and religious statues and pictures, jewelry, doilies and numerous chotskis. You name it — she had it! (in multiples!) and would probably give it to you if you liked it, as the generous, giving soul that she was. Judy was a “rosary baby,” as her mother prayed the rosary during her pregnancy; she blessed many who knew her. Judy was a kind helper and caretaker at times for her mother, her sister, and once her nephew who broke his arm. She truly lived the Golden Rule, to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

We trust and believe her kindness has been rewarded with a special place in heaven where she is healthy, happy, and full of peace and contentment. Her smile and laughter will be sadly missed, yet she will remain in our hearts. Eternal rest grant unto Judy oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

A celebration of life and light in Judy’s honor will occur Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Humboldt Grange #501 at 5845 Humboldt Hill Road in Eureka at 2 p.m.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Judy Urynowicz’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.