Our dear Judy passed away peacefully on August 25, 2017. Her vibrant mind and body finally surrendered after a long-fought battle with dementia. Even during the throes of the disease, she had moments of clarity when her wit and wisdom gave us joy. She especially lit up during each visit shared with her grandkids.
Judy was born on October 23, 1942 to Lyle and Pat Gunderson. From her marriage with Jorge Arce-Larreta, two wonderful sons were born; Jorge "Giorgio" and Juan "John." After their divorce, she maintained a loving relationship with her Peruvian family.
A lifelong resident of Sandy, she took pride in her 123-year-old home which is on the National Historic Register. In 1989, Judy married Ty Harrison. The two settled in Sandy and found immeasurable pleasure in simple, uncomplicated living. They traveled around the world and enjoyed many long stays at the family cabin near Oakley. They were a perfect match: Ty with his books and plants, and Judy with her art and collectibles. She could find treasures in any thrift store and loved sharing those perfect picks.
Judy was a proud Jordan High Beetdigger and was pleased that her sons became alumni. With a true sense for aesthetics, Judy was a skilled potter, painter, and knitter. She loved a challenge and was a formidable player of cards and Scrabble.
During Judy's career, she worked at the Salt Lake Board of Education and later moved into the Salt Lake County Library System for nearly 30 years. Much of that time she drove the bookmobile to serve outlying areas and was able to make many lifelong friends.
We will miss this remarkable, kind and generous person. She needed little to find joy and gave much of that to those around her.
Survived by sons, Jorge (Ginger) and Juan (Candi); brother, Byron Gunderson (DeEtte); sister, Nancy Starks (Dave); step-sons Todd (Susan), Greg (Nicole), and Brandon (Amanda); 16 grandkids and so many loving cousins, especially Klaudia; nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.). Family and friends are invited to visit there starting at 10 a.m.
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