Judith "Judy" Ann Borash

Judith “Judy” Ann Borash, age 86, of Hermantown, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born July 20, 1939, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Edward and Rita Joy Viellet, Judy was the eldest of two daughters. She graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 1957 and began her career as an X-ray technician at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she enjoyed caring for others and building lifelong friendships.

On November 28, 1959, she married the love of her life, Elmer W. Borash. Together they built a beautiful life grounded in faith, hard work, and devotion to family. Their marriage of enduring love became the foundation of their greatest accomplishment — raising five children and growing a family tree that continues to flourish.

Judy and Elmer owned and operated Thomson/Spirit Valley Disposal for many years, retiring in 1996. Their work ethic and commitment to the community were evident in everything they did.

Judy will be remembered for her generous spirit, her sweet yet spirited personality, and her gift for conversation. She could strike up a chat with anyone and leave them feeling like an old friend. Her warmth and presence touched all who knew her, and her legacy lives on in the countless lives she shaped.

A faithful Catholic, Judy was a proud founding member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, involved since its humble beginnings at the Piedmont Heights Community Club to its current home. Her faith guided her life and anchored her family.

She treasured the friendships she built through the St. Lawrence OK Club, the 4 Aces and 5 Spaces card clubs, the Bridgeman’s Gals Club, her knitting group, and with her beloved Denfeld Class of ’57 classmates.

Judy gave generously of her time and talents. She volunteered with the Damiano Center, Edgewood Vista, the Lighthouse for the Blind, and was fondly known as the Hermantown Middle School “copy lady.” Service to others was simply part of who she was.

Her grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life. She was their biggest fan, rarely missing a sporting event, concert, or milestone. In 2014, she was lovingly given the title “GO” — the Great One — an honor she wore proudly. She was deeply grateful to have family close by and cherished staying woven into the fabric of their daily lives.

Some of her happiest memories were made at the family cabin on Leech Lake, a place known for breathtaking sunsets and lively Fourth of July celebrations. The cabin was a memory-making factory filled with family, friends, guests, and especially the beloved “Brevik gang.” From morning coffee in the “Wisdom Room” to happy hour on the deck, laughter echoed across the water. And if you listen closely, you might still hear the faint chorus of “Red Solo Cup” drifting through the afternoon air.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her favorite moments were those spent gathered with the people she loved — often with a glass of wine in hand.

She is survived by her children: Kathy (Brad) Mickelson, Kriste (Brian) Haedrich, John, Jim, and Greg (Michaela); grandchildren: Patrick (Emy), Andrew (Liz), Sean (Mackenzie), Jacob, Derek, Mariah, Mackenzie (Sean), Korina (Thomas), Kylee (Brian), Matthew (Hanna), Thomas, and Jack; step-grandchildren Gretchen Mickelson and Melanie Rasmussen; great-grandchildren Kanan, Ezra, Malcolm, Wesley, Lowan, and Burke, with another LeBlanc expected; step-great-grandchild Harper; her sister Bonnie (Lloyd) Harper; cousin Tim (Diane) Williams; and her special lifelong best friend, Marjorie Klint.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elmer, and her parents.

Mass of Christian Burial honoring Judy’s life will be held 11AM, Friday March 6, 2026, with visitation one-hour prior at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Road, Duluth, Minnesota, with a Celebration of Life to follow.

Memorials in Judy’s honor may be directed to the Damiano Center (www.damianocenter.org).

Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home, 218-624-1059, please visit www.wlbduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.