Judith L. Brazier

Judith Brazier (Anger, Harris)

Waterford, MI (Monroe, Dearborn, Ann Arbor)

March 1939 - June 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother Judy. She still had a feisty spark about her even while under hospice care for over a year due to uterine cancer. She was still listening to her music, playing bingo, dining with her assisted living friends, and interacting with her family and the aids who cared for her. In mid-May, she became ill and just never recovered. She decided it was her time to transition and she was thankfully at peace when she passed away on June 1.

Judy was born in Toledo, Ohio, and grew up in Monroe Michigan, graduating from Monroe High School. She had many dear friends from her school days, and was a good student, although she always made it clear she was not good at math!

Judy learned her sewing skills from her mother Virginia, but perhaps could have used a few more bowling lessons from her father Gerhard “Red” Anger (who owned a bowling alley). She learned to play piano and was still playing up until a few years ago. She also started to learn the ukulele, but the piano was her first love.

Judy married Aaron Harris in 1961, and later found herself raising her two young children on her own, finding creative ways to earn a salary. She was able to get typing jobs, and could even “work from home” before it was the latest rage. This allowed her to earn money for the household and still care for her children. She even typed up resumes for others, to earn a little extra cash. She also put her sewing skills to good use and made corduroy jumpers and tops for her girls. Walks to the market were common, with daughters in-tow in the wagon.

Judy and David Brazier married in 1971, which brought Dawn and Doug into her life. When they came to visit on weekends, it was like Judy had 4 of her own children, not just 2. Memories of clothes shopping and dinners come to mind (mom was not a michelin star chef, unless you like your burgers extremely well done, but it’s the thought that counts).

Judy worked for most of her career at Dearborn Real Estate on Michigan Avenue. She was the receptionist there for many years, the cheerful voice you would hear first when calling in. She was not too computer-savvy, but fought her way through and was a strong member of the team there.

Judy’s caring nature towards others would come to the forefront as she volunteered for years at the Salvation Army soup kitchen in Wyandotte, and through her donations of handmade crocheted hats and mittens for the children in her area in most need.

Just to share a few cute stories about mom, because she wouldn’t want this announcement to be so serious:

• Taking her young granddaughter to get Kentucky Fried Chicken, but walking into Taco Bell instead, and wondering when did KFC start selling tacos? “We’re at Taco Bell Nana!” Whoops.
• Looking for a lost item for quite some time, and not happy about it. Finally telling her son-in-law, I can’t find my glasses! You mean the ones on top of your head?
• Having dinner at her daughter's house. What’s for dessert? Strawberry shortcake! But just with fresh strawberries, no sugary syrup. What? No Sugar? I’m leaving! (and out the door she went in a huff).
• And many stories centered around her fear of storms, including pushing her lounge chair into the bathroom so she had a more comfortable seat when the rains came. (Also took her purse with her so she had ID on her.)

Judy is survived by her sister Joyce Clarke and brother Roger Goetz (Dianne); her 2 daughters Shirley Harcek (Robert) and Laura Harris (Robert Hogg); her granddaughters Elise and Lauren Harcek; and many nieces and nephews. Judy’s extended family includes a step daughter Dawn Bowman (Chris) and a step son Doug Brazier (Marianne).

Judy will be missed very much by her family, friends, and the aids and nurses who cared for her; we will hold her close to our hearts forever. No public services are scheduled. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Angela Hospice. https://angelahospice.org/donate/