Judith Ann Faber — devoted wife, loving mother and Nana, and second mom to so many — passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Holland, Michigan, at the age of 86.
Judy was born on October 28, 1939, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Faith guided her life and shaped her values, and it showed in the way she loved and cared for everyone she met. Her presence brought comfort and kindness to those around her.
Judy earned her bachelor’s degree from Hope College and later a master’s in religious education from Western Theological Seminary, both in Holland, MI. Those years brought her lifelong friendships and, most importantly, her husband, Jack. Together they raised three children to be caring, loving, and welcoming of others.
Her masterful teaching of the Bethel Bible Series and her spiritual leadership encouraged others to be a light in the world. She shared her gifts selflessly and had a passion for helping people grow in their faith. Judy believed that anyone could find peace and joy, no matter where they were on their path.
Judy was known for hosting gatherings that left no one out, and she always made room at her table. Exchange students, foster children, refugees — anyone with nowhere else to go found a welcome in her home. She knew God loved everyone, without exception, and she lived out that belief with the kindness, compassion, and grace of an angel on earth.
Family was at the center of Judy’s life, and she treasured every time they were together, especially their yearly trips to the Jersey Shore. She was a Jersey girl to the core.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Gunnar and Betty (Garrett) Eastman; her parents-in-law, Calvin and Frances (Roelofs) Faber; and a chosen daughter, Jeanette Schipper.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jack, whose companionship, support, and love were a constant in her life; and her children, Wendy and Kevin Rebhan of Holland, Michigan, Jim Faber of Richmond, Virginia, and Dan and Jennifer Faber of Pennington, New Jersey. Judy found great joy in her grandchildren, Nicholas and Jordan Rebhan, Rachel and Braeden Blazek, Daniel Rebhan, Garrett Faber, Elayna Faber, Celeste Faber, and Sydney Faber, and in her chosen grandchildren, Marcella Soto, Austin and Haley Schipper, and Lily Schipper. She was also blessed to know her great-grandson, Harrison Gunnar Blazek, who carries her father’s name.
Judy is also survived by her sister, Penny and John Welch of Seaside Park, New Jersey; her sister-in-law, Betty and Howard Jansen of Jenison, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her family will remember her as someone who created lasting memories and traditions they carry on today.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 659 State Street in Holland, with Reverend Cathy Hoop officiating.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Dykstra Funeral Homes – Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street in Holland.
Memorial contributions may be given to Corewell Health Hospice, First Presbyterian Church, or the International Tennis Hall of Fame (https://www.tennisfame.com/donate).
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