Chelene Marie (Kott) Judge, 66, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly on March 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Munson Medical Center.
Chelene was born in Flint, Michigan, on October 22, 1957. She married Gregory Judge on April 7, 1993, and they shared a life filled with love and precious memories.
Chelene loved all animals but had a passion for dogs, especially chihuahuas. She treasured the time she spent with them, and she rarely went anywhere without her beloved dog Peanut. As a result of Chelene’s encouragement, her brother Michael’s dog was entered into a fundraising contest last month for the Cherryland Humane Society, and friends and family raised $950.00 for the shelter.
Chelene was a hard worker throughout her life and was employed in various roles, including store clerk at Tom’s East Bay, waitress, and pharmacy technician. She touched the lives of many through her kindness and compassion, making friends wherever she worked. Chelene was the life of the party at gatherings with family and friends. She was well known for entertaining the nursing staff and befriending other patients during her hospital stays at Munson Medical Center and the Medilodge of Leelanau. Chelene was always very generous, and even at the end of her life she participated in the Gift of Life organ donation program.
Chelene had a flair for fashion and bling, and she loved to visit thrift stores searching for prized bargains. She enjoyed reading, knitting, playing Bingo, and buying scratch off lottery tickets, delighting in purchasing winning tickets for family members. Most of all, Chelene loved being with her family and friends, especially with her cherished daughter, Joelynn.
She is survived by her daughter, Joelynn (fiancé Randall Coon) Kott of Saginaw, her siblings, Pete “Scotty” (Debora Stovern) Kott of Alaska, Violet (Larry) Pelch of Okemos, Michael (Beth) Kott of Traverse City, along with many other beloved family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Peter C. and Gladys (Johnsen) Kott, her husband Greg, and all of her beloved dogs, including Peanut. A Celebration of Chelene’s Life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her honor to the Cherryland Humane Society or the Gift of Life Michigan. Memories and thoughts may be shared with Chelene’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
