Judith Burdis

Age 78, of Clio, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025. A funeral service will take place at 1:00 pm, Friday, April 11, 2025, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services, 1194 E. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris, Michigan. Rev. Fr. Roy Horning to officiate with cremation to follow. Family will be present to receive friends from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be considered to the Fenton Lions Club or the Brighton Lions Club. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Judy’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

Judith Ann Burdis was born on January 1, 1947, in Calumet, Michigan, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Johanna (Gaspardo) Jacques. Educated locally, Judy graduated from Linden High School in 1965. From a young age, Judy struggled with vision loss, which would eventually lead to total blindness later in her life. Determined to not let this stop her, Judy lived a successful and fulfilling life. Looking to further her education, Judy obtained her Beauticians license through the state of Michigan and worked as a cosmetologist for many years before losing her eyesight. She also worked in the food department at Herlich Rexall Drugs, as well as Gerych’s Greenhouse in Fenton. She found her passion when she opened a costume rental shop. With just a few dollars and a few costumes, she built her business to be one of the most successful in the area. Stocked with over 4,000 costumes, Judy had a costume for any and all occasions. She was highlighted in local newspapers every year around Halloween, letting any and all know about the wide variety of costumes one could obtain.

Judy did not let her vision impairment define her and what she was capable of. She lived a very active lifestyle, often participating in water skiing, racing cars, riding motorcycles, and other extreme sports. She also would frequently shop on QVC and various thrift stores, always looking for new pieces to add to the costume shop. Judy also loved watching movies, including Hallmark films and Disney movies. She also advocated for vision impairment and blindness to a great extent. Judy participated in testing through the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland from ages 14 to 40. Not only were they able to maintain the vision she had remaining for 25 years, they were also able to develop cures for the type of blindness Judy had. She also worked alongside many of the local Lions Clubs to obtain eyeglasses that could be donated to the visually impaired.

Judy was married to her first husband, Mike Denker, for 27 years. Upon their divorce, she would meet and marry the love of her life, David Burdis. She and David were united in marriage on April 27, 2013 at the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas. Through her marriage with David, she was granted the blessing of grandchildren, to whom she would cherish deeply.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of 11 years: David Burdis; her two step-children: Dave Burdis Jr., Lisa and husband, Chad Fuller; her two grandchildren: Shawn Hetzel, Ashley and husband, Matt Antcliff; her five great-grandchildren: Olivia, Alanna, Wayne Jr., Hailey, Faith; her sister: Linda Jacques; as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her first husband: Mike Denker; her parents; and her sister: DeDe Jacques.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Judy’s special friend, Christine Day, for all the love and support shown during this difficult time.