Judith Kay Marino

Judith Kay Downs, age 77, passed away on September 17, 2026, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Sylvania, Ohio, with her children by her side. She was born on September 30, 1948, in Rochester, New York, and grew up there. Judy attended Greece Olympia High School in Rochester, New York, and Morrisville College in upstate New York, where she earned her nursing degree.

Judy married Gerald Allen Huber on January 3, 1970, and they resided in Wyckoff, New Jersey. She worked as a Registered Nurse and was the Head Nurse of the Coronary Care Unit at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Their family grew with the births of Joelle in 1976 and Geoffrey in 1980. When her children were born, Judy became a stay-at-home mom. In 1978, the family relocated to Farmington Hills, Michigan, and later to Temperance, Michigan, where Judy lived for many years.

It was in 1983 that she met her lifelong friend, Lorna Moulton. Lorna had kids similar in age to Judy's, and they enjoyed going out to eat, taking their kids to concerts, and vacationing together. When Judy's children were a little older and in school, Judy worked retail at her good friend Derinda (Dee) Good's clothing store. She attended Christ the King Lutheran Church in Lambertville, Michigan. She enjoyed exercise and often took walks to maintain her health. She loved the ocean and anything nautical, especially collecting shells and sea glass. She spent as much time as she could each summer in the sun and was very proud of her deep tan. She had beautiful handwriting, and she always made sure her makeup and hair was done before she left the house. She had a great sense of humor and loved listening to funny stories that her kids would share. She was the "cool mom" who Joelle's friends felt comfortable talking to about anything. She always loved having kids over to the house and enjoyed the energy that they would bring. She had a silliness about her and always had a nickname for people or things. If she loved you, she has probably called you "doll" or "dollie" at least once. She loved animals and is now reunited with her beloved pets Shelly, Ruffy, Lucky, and Kallie.

After her marriage ended in 1993, she relocated to Burlington, Connecticut in 1994. She relocated again to Reno, Nevada in 2008. There she lived near her brother, sister-in-law, nephew and great nephew. She enjoyed afternoon tea with her brother and family, going to buffets at the casinos, visiting Virginia City and Lake Tahoe, visiting her kids and grandkids, and spending time with her dog, Pajaro. It was her childhood dream to travel to Maui, Hawaii, and she enjoyed several trips there, falling in love with Lahaina.

In 2025 she moved back to Ohio to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She lived at a senior living facility and made some wonderful new friends, Margie, Becky, Dennis, Lyn, Francis, Jeanette, and David. She received exceptional care from Sondra, Martha, Monica, Janae, Tammy, and more.

Judy lived with chronic lung problems that began during her childhood. Her allergies and asthma evolved over the years into a series of recurrent lung infections. She was eventually diagnosed with bronchiectasis, which she managed successfully for decades. A great portion of her life was spent seeking treatment to improve her health. From allergy shots, to inhalers, to breathing treatments, to percussion vest treatments, and more, Judy fought to keep herself as healthy as possible. As her body became increasingly tired, her will to live remained strong. Her decision to enter hospice was not easy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth F. Downs and Mary Regina (Mono) Downs. She is survived by her daughter, Joelle Kay Huber, and granddaughter, Claire Isabella Behnfeldt; her son, Geoffrey Aaron Huber, his wife, Erin (Leisey) Huber, and grandson, Jack Timothy Huber; and her brother, Barry Downs, and his wife, Nancy (Exter) Downs. She is also survived by her niece, Renee Downs; her nephew, Jonathan Downs; her great-nephew, Kempton Downs, and several cousins.

The family would like to thank:

Beth Dunlap, for being a caregiver and friend to Judy for the last 18 months.

Beth Bostater, Ryan Dunlap and Kapo for your help, friendship, and visits with Judy.

The medical team at St. Anne's Hospital Intensive Care Unit for the care you provided for Judy this past week.

Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the attentive, compassionate care Judy received in her final moments. We will never forget how supported you made us feel.

Judy's celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Walker Funeral Home in Sylvania, Ohio. Visitation will begin at 11am, followed by a memorial service at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Nickens Family Rescue & Sanctuary in Fremont, Ohio at www.nickensfamilyrescue.com.