Judie Cundy, 80

Judie Cundy crossed over to the realms of heaven from Beehive Homes in Kalispell on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. She was born Judie Ann Hill July 28, 1942, to Vera Florence Pearson and Clarence H. Hill in Seattle. She was one of five siblings which includes Jackie Fernanez (deceased), John Hill, Barbara Edwards and Michelle Aalbu. She was raised to be independent, hard working and industrious.

Judie graduated from Ballard High School in Seattle and later attended University of Washington. Set in place a career plan that led to Montana and being employed by the Forest Service from 1980 to 2011 for 31 years as a purchasing agent and contracting officer. She worked long hours and overtime fighting wildfires over the years.

Judie married Jon Cundy Jan. 1, 1965, in Seattle. They remained securely attached to each other through the trials and joys of life. Judie and Jon moved to Lakeside along Stoner Creek in 1978. Jon was self-employed as a tool and die maker with his company, Montana Machine and Tool Works and Judie was hired at the Flathead National Forest. They were the proud parents of son Nathaniel Jon Cundy who was born in Seattle in 1971.

The early death of Jon Cundy, who died of cancer Feb. 13, 1987, carved out a new life path for Judie as a single person. Judie learned to cope with loneliness with the help and understanding of her son Nat. She applauded his analytical mind and creativity as a graphic artist and treasured his regular phone calls.

Always community-minded, Judie was an integral part of the Lakeside Community Club where she served as vice-president in charge of programs, as well as, a volunteer watering the beautification barrels of flowers along U.S. Highway 93. Talented as a musician, she enjoyed all genres of music and was particularly committed to the Bethlehem Lutheran Bell Choir where she was a member of the congregation for 50+ years. Judie served 2 terms as a trustee for the Somers School Board. International travel was a passion and wandering foreign shores embellished her sense of adventure and expanded her horizons.

A book club, an outdoor garden show, an aerobics class, quilting, or a quiet browse through catalogs were some of Judie’s favorite happenings also including hikes in Glacier National Park and serving soup to the homeless at church. Her heart was full of the wonders of creation and it was completed by her career choice of forestry. She also enjoyed spending time with her two granddaughters, Bella and Ava Cundy who currently live in Missoula.

The last 6 months were trying at best with the diagnosis of cancer and the required treatment. Judie was supported by her sister Barbara Edwards through the beginning of chemo treatments and she was very grateful for the love, humor and time spent. A spiritual person, Judie leaned into her Christian faith and prepared herself for the joys of heaven. Her memorial service is planned for March 24, 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Main Street in Kalispell.