Judith Bortolussi

Judith Bortolussi, age 81, passed away peacefully Monday, December 12, 2022, after a brave battle with Parkinson's Disease. Judie was born August 12, 1941, in Melvindale, Michigan, to Harold & Beatrice (Girard) Race. Judie grew up in Lincoln Park, MI and moved to the Grand Rapids, MI area with her husband in 1970 to raise their family. Judie was very proud of her time spent working at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel as a Banquet Captain. She was part of the team that opened the hotel in the 1980's, training the banquet staff and helping to create their 5 star team. Judie made lifelong friends with her staff at the AGPH and thoroughly enjoyed working with all of them. Through her love and skills of the hospitality industry, Judie was able to touch many lives and created happy memories. Even in the end, she loved telling the stories to her caregivers and nurses, remembering the events she managed and the people she met. Judie lived a very full life with family and friends. Many memories were made on trips to her parent's cottage in Tobermory, Ontario Canada; camping every year with her husband and children; and making lasting friends while living in N. Ft Myers, Florida for several years before returning to Grand Rapids in 2014. Judie leaves behind her husband of 59 years, Edward G. Bortolussi; three children - Lisa Bortolussi, Anthony (Marcie) Bortolussi and Laurie (Glen) Lillie; grandchildren Rhayna Lillie, Giada Bortolussi, Parker VanEss and Marina VanEss; sister Beverly (Thomas) Coffee, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Judie will forever be missed by her family and all that knew her. No formal services will be held. A private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Judith Bortolussi, please visit our flower store.