Mary Judith Simpson

Mary Judith Simpson “Judy” was born June 21, 1948, in Minot North Dakota. She was the third of five children born to Milton and Betty Jean Lawrence. Milton was a Chippewa from the Turtle Mountain Reservation and Betty’s family name was Fast; in her later years Judy loved to say, “I’m a half-Fast Indian”. This is the type of humor Judy was best known for. A hairdresser most of her adult life, her clients loved her; from behind her chair, she was part comedian part therapist. Judy had three children by 1970 whom she raised on her own on a hairdresser’s meager wages and tips often working two or more jobs. She was the type of mother who would pinch you for acting up in church but also the mother who would gladly pull you into her lap and rock you softly as she sang the hymns. Judy was a giver, a caretaker, and readily made sacrifices for others her entire life. This led to her being a foster mother and adoptive mother to several children over the years. Judy was always proud to say she raised multiple children. She was beloved Nana to numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On July 2, 2025, she gently left this world. We, her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren will always remember her ability to love fiercely and her love of humor; both of which helped give her a seemingly unending capacity to persevere through adversity. And always, we will remember her songs and her “famous sayings”.