Obituary

Judy Charles-Hottowe, 68, passed away on December 9, 2018 in her Lummi Nation home near Bellingham, Washington.

Judy was born on December 23, 1949 in Moscow, Idaho to Clifford and Mary Charles. Judy was a beloved Lummi elder and community member. A retired teacher and life-long learner, she graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1968 and earned her bachelor’s Degree in Education at University of Washington in 1972. Later in her life, she took graduate courses in Education at Western Washington in Bellingham. She believed in education as an important way to open the door to opportunities for Lummi people, as well as all people. She lived her life of service to her community.

Judy worked as a school teacher on the Makah Reservation from 1974 to 1991 and taught at Ferndale High School until her retirement in 2012. She believed in being part of the solution to the issues our people have faced and often, to bring the best learning experiences to her students.

Judy loved her family, Lummi People, animals and the outdoors. She loved being out in nature. She loved hiking and walking on the beaches with her dogs. Throughout her life, she stepped up to help family. After retiring from her teaching job, she continued to contribute to her community as a member of the Lummi Health Commission. She advocated for focusing on preventing health conditions plaguing our people.

Judy always enjoyed gardening and had a lovely yard. In memory of her grand mother, Dorothy Lear-Charles, she grew raspberries and flowers in her garden.

She also enjoyed traveling to beautiful places to walking and taking hikes in Mexico, Bryce Canyon, Mount Rainier, Snoqualmie Pass, and beaches everywhere.

As an avid animal lover, Judy supported local animal rescue organizations and all her best friends were rescues needing a second chance. She assisted in volunteering for the “Free Dog and Cat Vaccination Clinics,” that were offered at Lummi.

Judy was a wise, strong, independent woman who was loved and will be missed by those who survive her, including twin sister Kathleen Charles, sister Jean Charles-Azure, brother-in law Don and nephew Cliff Azure and dogs, Leo and Saddie.

Judy is preceded in death by Mary Bear-Charles, mother; Clifford Charles, father;

Dorothy Lear-Charles, grandmother, Al Charles, grandfather; Mary
Bear, Grandmother; Gilbert Bear, Grandfather

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11am at Wexliem Community Building.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to local animal rescue groups.