As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Judith Elaine Albee passed away on August 17, 2026 at Omega House after a short illness. She was born in Neenah, Wisconsin June 9th, 1941-the oldest child of Lewis and Patricia (nee Ray) Eckstein. She grew up on a small farm outside of Oshkosh, WI. After graduating from Winneconne High School in 1959, she attended the State School College – Oshkosh (UW-Oshkosh) graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. On January 26,1963 she married Stephen Albee in Winchester, Wisconsin.
Judy started her teaching career immediately upon graduation, teaching elementary school in Milwaukee and Green Bay while raising 3 boys. Upon moving to Hancock, she continued teaching as a substitute teacher while being a full-time mother. She returned to teaching full time after her boys graduated. She taught early elementary grades in the Hancock School District first at E.L. Wright and then the Hancock Elementary School for 30 years before retiring in 2001. She left an indelible impression on countless Hancock children and maintained those relationships for years afterward. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and spending time with her grandchildren. Judy and Steve continued their community focus and civic duties after retirement playing an active role in numerous community organizations such as the Keweenaw Land Trust, The Keweenaw National Historical Park, Pine Mountain Music Festival, ADK Teaching Sorority and the Copper Country Community Arts Center.
Judy’s life was dedicated to serving others. If it takes a village, Judy was there to lend a hand, whether it be educating its children, sharing the produce of their garden, supporting the arts, protecting the history or wild spaces of the Keweenaw, being an active church member or helping seniors get to their medical appointments. We are thankful that her years of giving and service were reflected in the appreciation, goodwill and love that the community embraced her with years after she retired from teaching, lost her husband and left her home.
Judy is survived by her three sons: Thomas (Tanya) of Brookfield, WI; James of Fairgrove, MI; Mark (Jen) of Duluth, MN; and three grandchildren: Alyssa, Russell, and Lucy. Also surviving are two brothers, Curt Eckstein of Green Bay, WI, and Lewy Eckstein of Oshkosh, WI; a sister Janet (Edward) Fritz, a brother-in-law, Art Merry; a sister-in-law, Carol Eckstein, as well numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her husband Steve (in 2000 after 57 years of marriage) by a sister Jean Merry, a brother Everett Eckstein and a sister-in-law, Sandy Friedenberger.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home is working with the family on arrangements. The family would like to thank the staff of Portage Health System, White Oasis and Omega House for their compassionate care. In recognition of her service and contributions to the community, the Quincy Mine Hoist Shaft will be illuminated September 5th .
A celebration of her life is planned for Sunday, September 6th at the Portage Lake United Church with visitation at 1:00 pm followed by the service at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Peter Norland officiating followed by a fellowship gathering.
Internment will be in Lakeview Memorial Park, Oshkosh, WI with a graveside service at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Judy’s name to Keweenaw Land Trust, Portage Lake United Church, Copper Country Community Art Center, Omega House or the charity of your choice.
To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
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