Judith Louise Blackbird, 82, of Boise, passed away February 25, 2023.
Judy was born in Clarkson, NE, where she grew up living a small-town life with her parents Lambert and Elaine Houfek and brother Dean, taking part in Czech festivals during the summer.
Following high school she earned a degree from the University of Nebraska, married, and moved to Oregon, where she began her career as a medical technologist. Judy had a strong passion for working in the hospital lab and caring for her patients.
She raised and, for a time, solo-parented her three children: Kristin, Marla, and Steven. Raising three kids on your own in the 70’s could not have been easy, however, Judy kept moving forward and was known for her strong and vibrant laugh.
Judy had a strong sense of faith and reported having a spiritual experience in church one day that left a strong mark on her mind and soul.
Judy married her second husband, Charles Blackbird on August 8, 1980. They walked through life together until the day she passed.
She is survived by the love of her life, Charles, Boise, ID; daughter, Kristin (J. Phillip) Monroe, Boise, ID; daughter, Marla (Chris Piper) Polenz, Bend, OR; son, Steven (Theresa Carrao) Polenz, Seattle, WA; and Charley’s daughter Alexandra Blackbird (Denis) Pierre, Glendale, CA; her grandchildren and extended family.
Judy was always a strong, passionate, woman, with strong beliefs, who no matter the circumstances, never lost her passion and conviction.
A committal service will be held, 11:00 am, Monday, March 13, 2023, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, Idaho.