Judith L. (Kevnick) Kupiec

Judith Leona Kupiec, passed away at Henry Ford Hospital on January 12, 2024, in Clinton Township, Michigan, at the age of 85. She was born on June 8, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, to Edwin and Michaline Kevnick (nee Mycek). Judy was the youngest of seven children and was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Jordan, Bernadine, Raymond, Theresa, Mary Jane, and Richard.

Judy was a devoted wife to her loving husband of 68 years, John Stanley Kupiec, who passed away just 14 days before her, each passing on a Friday.   John went early to make sure everything was in order for his bride.

As a full-time homemaker and mother of four, Judy played an essential and traditional role in her home. She lovingly cooked for her family every day and maintained a beautiful household. Judy was a den mother for the Boy Scouts and an active member of the PTA.  She passionately supported her children in whatever sport they chose and was their biggest cheerleader.  Judy's enthusiastic voice and guidance were present at swim meets, football fields, softball games, and other stadiums.   She volunteered as a scorekeeper for Little League and football games.

After her children were grown, Judy enjoyed working as a secretary for Independent Court Reporters. Later in life, she and her husband founded Grosse Point Auto Works, where Judy ran the office while John handled the repair shop. Together, they retired in 2008.   Additionally, she dedicated her time as a poll worker for the City of Warren, MI.

Throughout her life, Judy attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, formerly known as St. Cletus. She never missed mass and her children have hilarious stories about Sunday mornings, getting to church on time. She was affectionately referred to as a strong-willed woman by her priest.

In her leisure time, Judy enjoyed various hobbies. She was an avid bowler and often participated in multiple leagues simultaneously. Judy's talent extended to ceramics, where she hand-painted the figures in her Nativity Creche. She cherished books and frequently exchanged novels with her daughters. Judy also played pinochle and softball at Hesse School. Her rose garden brought her joy, and she passed down the art of canning tomatoes to her daughter, Carolyn. Judy had many German shorthaired pointers, but one stole her heart:  Heidi, who had puppies.   Despite her fear of water, Judy joined her husband on their boat, the Mr. and Mrs. K II, spending summers on Lake St. Clair.  She created lasting memories at the farm in Hillman, MI and on the shores of Lake Avalon with her children and grandchildren.  All the grandchildren spent Halloweens trick or treating at Busia’s house and each year she kept us warm with a big pot of chicken noodle soup.  Busia prepared traditional Polish foods for Christmas and Easter.

Judy's unwavering support for the Detroit Lions led her to attend all their home games.  She bled blue and silver but one of her favorite quarterbacks was San Francisco’s Joe Montana.

Judy will be deeply missed by her children, Karen (Robert) Johnson, John (Kelly) Kupiec, Patricia Risk, and Carolyn (Ronald) Martz. She was a beloved grandmother to John A. Kupiec, Adam J. Kupiec, Amanda Salyers, Jennifer O’Hara, John R. Johnson, and Michael J. Risk, along with their spouses, Julia Pinover-Kupiec, Melissa Salyers, William O’Hara, and Chelsea Johnson. Judy was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Cameron Risk, Bryson Risk, Grayson Kupiec, William (Jack) O’Hara, Ryan Johnson, Peyton Johnson, and Callum O’Hara.

Visitation Tuesday, January 16, from 10:30 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Grace Parish (formerly St. Cletus), 26256 Ryan Road, Warren, Michigan.

Please share a memory, thought, or prayer with the family here on Judy's Tribute Wall.