Judith Ann Kortier's Obituary
Judith Ann (Perttunen) Kortier, 78, of Hudson, Florida passed away peacefully at home on December 22, 2025.
Born on June 21, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan to Edwin Waldemar Perttunen and Martha Wilhemina (Helberg) Perttunen, Judy graduated from Graveraet High School in Marquette, Michigan. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Northern Michigan University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Oakland University, and an Education Specialist degree from Wayne State University.
Judy taught early elementary students for 34 years at L’Anse Creuse Public Schools in Michigan. Beginning at age 13, she served as the organist at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Marquette, Michigan, then she served as organist at Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan until retirement. She wrote and frequently performed hymn variations for worship and published a hymn index for use in worship planning.
Judy was known for her love of bridge. She earned a Silver Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League and shared her talent by serving as an instructor and president for the Nature Coast Bridge Club. Judy was also an avid reader of fiction and loved to watch Jeopardy daily. She was a life-long member of the Lutheran church, participating in a variety of ministries over her lifetime.
Judy is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Eugene E. Kortier; her children Mari (Norman) Dew and Marc Kortier; and grandchildren Joshua and Rachel Dew. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother David Perttunen.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Nativity Lutheran Church (6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34613), with light refreshments to follow. Pastor Giuseppe Mattei will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Nativity Lutheran Church, Weeki Wachee, Florida.
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