Obituary of Judy Lynn Tresnan

Judy Lynn Vandegrift was born on July 3, 1943 in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of two daughters born to Walter Vandegrift and Hazel (Littrell) Vandegrift. Judy graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1961 and continued her education at Monroe County Community College.

Judy spent thirteen years working for the United States Postal Service and Lake Erie Transit in Monroe.   She then ventured onto a different career path, obtaining her license to become a professional semitruck driver. Judy was then employed by various trucking companies for sixteen years, spending most of her time at Overnite Transportation. Not one to stay idle, after her retirement from trucking, Judy then continued working at Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE), delivering meals to the elderly.  

On September 19, 1992, Judy wed the love of her life, John “Jack” Tresnan, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. The couple enjoyed thirty years of marriage and shared nine children. Judy deeply loved her family, home, friends, and her cats. Referred to as a “crazy cat lady” by some, she cared for the neighborhood’s feral cat population by feeding them and trapping them to be spayed/neutered. Judy enjoyed a good mystery novel and tuned into period pieces on television such as “Bridgerton” and “The Tudors”. She also enjoyed watching “Game of Thrones”, “True Blood”, and “Ted Lasso” alongside her granddaughter Bree.

Judy took great pride in her home and carefully tended to her favorite lilies in her flower garden. During the summer, she often was found floating around her pool with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other. Judy occasionally tried her luck on the slots at the casino, but she was guaranteed to beat the tail off any opponent at a game of Scrabble. She also enjoyed a good card game with friends. A talented crafter, Judy had a vison for every ordinary sheet of paper. She created beautiful handmade cards. Although Judy could be quite stubborn and sarcastic at times, she always had the best intentions in her heart. Her feisty spirit was equally matched by her witty sense of humor.

Judy Lynn Tresnan, age 80, of Monroe, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday; July 3, 2023. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: Jack Tresnan; twin grandsons: Drew and Dylan Barron; her granddaughter: Kristin Germain; her great granddaughter: Josalin Garrity; a sister: Jennifer Holmes; and a step-daughter Cheryl Tresnan Reighard.

To cherish her memory, she leaves two daughters: Jill Miller-Barron (Cary) of Rockton, Illinois and Renee Cicero (Kenny Smith) of Monroe; six step-children: Donna Germain (Keith) of Bradenton, Florida, Cynthia Douthit (Keith) of Asheville, North Carolina, John Tresnan Jr. of Huntsville, Alabama, Patrick Tresnan of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jennifer Tresnan of Springhill, Florida, and Mary Cameron (Billy) of Knoxville, Tennessee; a step daughter-in-law: Mary Tresnan-Reighard of Delta, Ohio; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; a sister: Sally Kilgo of Vancouver, WA; a brother Bobby Killion (Susan) of Virginia Beach, VA; a nephew Scott Kilgo (Dena) of Gresham, OR; and several feline friends.

Friends may gather on Saturday; July 8, 2023 from 1:00pm until 5:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Judy’s Life will take place at Merkle’s beginning at 5:00pm with Pastor Jake Walker officiating. Cremation will follow through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Monroe County Humane Society. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.