Judith A. Claxton Cooley

Judith Ann Claxton Cooley passed away at Adrian Lenawee Hospice on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. She was born on August 30, 1931, the third of four daughters of Dr. (WT) Wilbert Tyde Claxton and Ethelyn (Harger) Lorene Claxton of Britton, Mich.

A 1949 graduate of Britton High School, Judy was a U of M graduate, completing her studies as an adult while raising four children. Judy was known for her infectious smile, a wonderful sense of humor and a love of life. In her early years she was a capable pianist, playing a wide variety of music from old Western songs, to pop, to classical.

On June 25, 1950, Judy married Lloyd Cooley, Jr. in a vibrant, happy and unbroken union for over 50 years until Lloyd’s passing on September 7, 2000.  

They had four children, Karen Lesley-Lloyd [Cooley], Stephen, Brian, and Kathleen Jensen [Cooley].  All but Stephen survives, having died in 2016. All added much joy to both Lloyd and Judy’s lives. Judy is also survived by her sister, Sharon Sundling (Claxton).

Judy enjoyed farm life and rural conservation. Her lifetime of interests included reading a wide array of books, languages [German and Spanish], and listening to many musical genres. She created remarkably accurate horoscopes, enjoyed crossword puzzles, her cats, their horses, and animals. Judy had worked at Kewaunee Corp. as an estimator for several years until the company left the Adrian area. Judy also worked as a real estate agent during the 1970s and 80s for Goedert Realty and very much enjoyed this work as it gave her opportunities to meet people and help them find their ideal home.  

She kept a huge garden and was adept in cooking many multicultural foods. She enjoyed sharing these recipes and was an engaging conversationalist.   

We will miss her smile, future conversations, and good humor. 

Visitation will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, with services to follow at 1 p.m. at Purse Martinez Funeral Home at 210 W. Pottawattamie St., Tecumseh, Mich. 

Please send donations in lieu of flowers to Hospice of Lenawee, whose staff provided Judy with wonderful care during the last weeks of her life.

Condolences may be offered online at pursemartinez.com.