Julia Chamberlain

Julia Alice "Judy" Chamberlain, age 101, of Schoolcraft, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 22, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, Judy was the beloved daughter of James Henry and Julia Catherine (Keegan) Bayne.

She graduated from Stratford High School in Stratford, Connecticut, in 1942. On November 24, 1945, she married the love of her life, Willis H. Chamberlain, in Teaneck, New Jersey. Together, they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage before Willis' passing in 2008.

Judy's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to nine children: Jim Chamberlain (IL), Larry (Jeanne) Chamberlain (Schoolcraft), Jerry Chamberlain (Kalamazoo), Joyce (Ed) Parsons (Schoolcraft), Steve Chamberlain (TX), Alice (Scott) Chidester (Zeeland), Mary (Otto) Reiber (WA), Diane (Tim) Washburn (Dorr), and the late Nancy Schmidt, who passed in 2018. She was a proud grandmother to 13 grandchildren and a cherished great-grandmother to 19 great-grandchildren.

Judy is also survived by her sister Doris Bayne (FL), sister-in-law Esther Bickle (Sterling Heights), and son-in-law Terry Schmidt (TN). She was preceded in death by her husband Willis, her daughter Nancy, her granddaughter Katie, her parents Jim and Julia Bayne, infant sister Eileen Bayne, brother Jim Bayne, and sister Anne Jones.

For over 25 years, Judy served her community as Schoolcraft Township Clerk in Vicksburg, Michigan (1970-1996), where she earned a reputation for dedication and integrity.

A woman of deep faith and quiet strength, Judy was an active member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. She gave generously of her time to causes and organizations she believed in, including the American Legion Auxiliary Post 475, the Schoolcraft Ladies Library, the Vicksburg Women's Forum, and South County Community Services.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Vineyard Assisted Living for their compassionate care, as well as Centrica Care Navigators for their support during Judy's final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy's memory may be made to: Centrica Care Navigators (formerly Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan), St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Schoolcraft Ladies Library, or Vineyard Assisted Living. Envelopes are available at the church.

In accordance with Judy's wishes cremation has taken place and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024 on Friday, July 25, 2025 with a time for visiting beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Judy will be interred at Schoolcraft Township following the service.

Judy's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The funeral Mass will be livestreamed starting at 11:00 a.m. on the "Mass" page of the St. Catherine of Siena website. https://stcatherinesiena.org/mass

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Judy's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Chamberlain family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.