Obituary: Judith Marie Northrup

Judith Marie Northrup, 79, of Cloquet died Jan. 15, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She was born 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. Judy worked as an Indian Advocate for the Duluth Public Schools district. Following her retirement in the 1990s, she worked for the Fond du Lac Reservation. Judy was united in marriage to Les Northrup Sr. on Jan. 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; stepchildren, Kim (Steve) Enerson, Mary (John) Durfee, Charlotte (Charlie Sr.) Armajo and Les (Brenda) Northrup Jr .; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren (all ranking No. 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 Dr. Charity Reynolds.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Interment will be at New Holy Family Cemetery when she is joined in rest with her beloved, Les Sr. To sign an online registry, please visit http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.

Pine Knot News Jan. 20, 2023