Judy (Tanis) Haga, age 82, passed away on October 30, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born on August 11, 1944, in Muskegon, Michigan, Judy lived a life marked by deep faith, extraordinary compassion, and a lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Judy grew up in Muskegon and enjoyed attending high school basketball games at Western Michigan Christian High School. Following high school, she pursued her calling in nursing by attending nursing school at Pine Rest. She became an exceptional psychiatric nurse. She was especially proud to have been selected as one of the nurses to help open the new Mulder Therapy Center at Pine Rest when it was built.

After marrying Alco Haga, Judy moved to Ada, Michigan, where they raised their two children, Scott and Julie. Being a loving and devoted mother was an important part of her life. In later years, Judy moved to Porter Hills Village, where she became part of a new community.

Throughout her life, Judy was known for her incredible compassion and her desire to help others. She always looked for ways to make sure people had what they needed, often putting others' needs ahead of her own. Her kindness extended to her family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Her example of caring for others left a lasting legacy, inspiring her son, Scott, to pursue a career in medicine and her grandson, Mark, to enter social work.

Judy's Christian faith was central to her life. Nurtured by her parents from a young age, her faith remained a constant source of strength and comfort through life's many challenges. For many years, she helped lead a contemporary worship service, putting great effort into getting to know each person who attended so that everyone would feel welcomed and included. She was immensely proud that both of her siblings, Keith and Marilyn, were ordained to the ministry, as was her niece, Emily Tanis-Likkel. Judy especially enjoyed listening to hymns and other Christian music, which brought her great comfort and joy.

One of Judy's most treasured musical favorites was Handel's Messiah. Her record collection, which included the complete work, was a special possession. Her children fondly remember her playing the music loud enough to fill the house, singing along as she cleaned and vacuumed when they were young. In later years, Judy was delighted by the simplicity of asking Alexa to play the Messiah, allowing her to enjoy it for hours. It was a beautiful reflection of how music and faith remained intertwined throughout her life.

Judy will be remembered for her generous heart, her unwavering faith, and the countless ways she made others feel cared for and welcomed. Her family is especially grateful for the kindness and compassionate care she received from the staff at Porter Hills and Emmanuel Hospice.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alco Haga.

She is survived by her son, Scott Haga; her daughter, Julie Green; her grandson, Mark Haga; her brother, Keith (Marti) Tanis; her sister, Marilyn (Mark) Borst; and many other loving family members. She also leaves behind her dear friend, Carole VanderPols, who was like a sister to her and held a very special place in her heart.

Judy's life was a testament to the power of compassion, faith, and love. The care she gave to others, the faith she shared, and the example she set will continue to live on through the many lives she touched and, most especially, through her family.