Judith Prince

Our hearts are broken. Our beloved sister Judy passed away peacefully on Oct 22, 2025, at her group home in Rochester from aggressive breast cancer.

Judith Elaine Prince was born on December 15, 1961, in Hibbing, MN to Larry and Mickey Prince. After living in Red Wing for a few years, the family moved to Rochester when Judy was 7.

Judy benefitted from inclusion in Rochester public schools, culminating in her graduation from John Marshall High School at age 21. Being a JM grad was her proudest accomplishment... "Once a Rocket, always a Rocket!" She was true-- Red & Black. She often said, "Maybe next year".

If she wasn't camping and fishing or going to JM football & basketball games with Mom and Dad she was on a road trip with them visiting family and friends across the country. Most of her trips were to PA and Seattle. She participated in many Special Olympic swimming competitions winning gold medals even while pausing to wave at Mom & Dad in the bleachers.

Mom & Dad were fierce fighters for Judy's independence. "She will have her own apartment with friends and work in the community, just like her older siblings." At 21 she moved into her first apartment with REM. At 32 she moved to a Bear Creek Services adult group home and has lived with 2 of her housemates for 25+ years. She created her own family there and lived the life of independence, with the support of compassionate, dedicated FHH staff that our parents had envisioned.

She began her working career at ABC, followed by Ability Enterprises and PossAbilities. In 2010 she joined Opportunity Services where she enjoyed, as she would say "in-house and community outings." She made friends all along the way and would often run into them all over Rochester.

Our sister lived an adventurous, wonderful and happy life. She loved weddings, babies, puppies (even though allergic) and having company... all the happiest moments in life. She was chatty, friendly and genuinely interested in all the people she met. We will miss her beyond measure.

Judy is survived by her sister, Kathy (Larry) Peterson; children Michael (Melanie), their 4 children and Tiffany (Jess), their 4 children. Also survived by brother Jeff Prince (Deb Livergood); children Johanna, Adam (Riley), son Lincoln, many cousins and many, many friends.

Memorials can be made to bearcreekservices.org with deep gratitude to staff at Fryer Hill House.