Margaret Judson

Margaret Judson

Margaret Jean (nee Thorne) Newbern Judson, 79, formerly of Pickford, was a lifelong advocate for children, who worked as a director for licensing day care centers in Michigan. Mrs. Judson died Monday, March 17, 2008, in Avon Park, Florida.

She was born May 20, 1928, in Sault Ste. Marie, the oldest of six children born to Levi and Emeline (nee O'Brien) Thorne.

She grew up in Pickford, was graduated from Pickford High School in 1947, and then attended Olivet Nazarene College in Kankee, Illinois. In 1973, she earned a bachelor's degree in education from Madonna College in Livonia, and in 1978, a master's degree in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. Mrs. Judson worked for the State of Michigan as a consultant for early childhood licensing and as director for licensing day care centers.

She was a member of Pickford Church of the Nazarene. Mrs. Judson enjoyed gardening and interior decorating, friends said, and was a devoted mother and grandmother.

Mrs. Judson is survived by a daughter and family, Linda Jean and Paul Ringholz of New Baltimore; two grandchildren and their families, Ryan Ringholz and Tam Pham, and Kelli and Nathan Hansen, and three great-grandchildren, Roan, Lennon, and Emme Le. She is also survived by one sister, Dolly Lawrence, and four brothers, Aldren "Bud" Thorne, Frank Thorne, Charles Thorne, and Melvin Thorne.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Newbern, and by her second husband, Cyril Judson.

Visitation was held Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to noon at Reamer Galer Funeral Home in Pickford. A funeral was held Saturday at noon, with the Reverend Craig Weihman officiating.

Burial will be in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township.