Judith M. Northrup

Judith M. Northrup

April 13, 1943 - January 15, 2023

Judith Marie Northrup, age 79, of Cloquet, Minnesota died on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on April 13, 1943, to Eugene and Eleanor (Shotley) Graves. She was raised on the Fond du Lac Reservation in Cloquet and attended school there. She later attended the University of Minnesota – Duluth Campus. Judy worked as an Indian Advocate in the ISD #709 in Duluth, Minnesota. Following her retirement in the 90's, she worked for the Fond du Lac Reservation. Judy was united in marriage to Les Northrup Sr. on January 14, 1978, at the American Indian Fellowship Association in Duluth.

Judy enjoyed crafts of all kinds, from needlepoint to birch bark baskets. Always busy, she was very active in The Elder Concerns Group and enjoyed traveling the Powwow Trail. Judy took pride in raising her family and caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a devoted advocate of her family, and positive community growth. Judy leaves a legacy of true kindness and love for everyone.

Judy is survived by her husband, Les Sr.; children, Velvet (Ron) Linden, Veronica (Reggie DeFoe) Smith, Vanessa (Tony Fish) Northrup, and Vickie (Roger Sr.) Smith; step-children, Kim (Steve) Enerson, Mary (John) Durfee, Charlotte (Charlie Sr.) Armajo, and Les (Brenda) Northrup Jr.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren (all ranking #1 in her heart); siblings, Rick, Mike, Diane, Charlene, Bobby Ann, Mickey, and Carla; nieces and nephews; sister friend, Aunty Beanie Savage; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her children, Raymond Smith Jr. and Richard Smith; grandson, Josh Linden; great-granddaughter, Joely Smith; and siblings, Kenneth Graves, Faye Diver, Norma Graves, and Linda Houle. The family would like to express their love and appreciation to the Fond du Lac Reservation and St. Luke's Hospital, especially her nurse, Amber Dougherty and Doctor Charity Reynolds.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. A luncheon will follow at the Fond du Lac Head Start Gymnasium. Interment will be at New Holy Family Cemetery when she is joined in rest with her beloved, Les Sr.

Services

Memorial Service

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

1:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Nelson Funeral Care

1004 Cloquet Ave.

Cloquet, Minnesota 55720