Judith Bernice Hassell

March 27, 1942 — Dec. 30, 2021

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep and joined her Lord and Savior in heaven on Dec. 30, 2021.

Judith Bernice Hassell (also known as “Judy” and “Grandee”), was born in Spokane, Wash., at Sacred Heart Hospital on March 27, 1942, to Charles T. “Bus” and Bernice Larson. She was raised on the family mink ranch known as the “Spirit Lake Fur Farm” located along the beautiful shoreline of Spirit Lake, Idaho. Judy attended Spirit Lake Elementary until grade 4 and then enrolled in Immaculate Heart Academy (IHM) in Coeur d’Alene where she graduated in 1960.

After high school, Judy found employment in different roles as an administrative assistant and as a legal secretary. Judy had two daughters, Kristina Marie ('63) and Shawna Ann ('64). In October of 1982, Judy married the love of her life, Alton “Al” Hassell; together they enjoyed attending Candlelight Christian Fellowship (and breakfast after), traveling together (especially their trip to Israel to visit the Holy Lands), and serving the city of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Together they have four children, 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Judy was a talented classical pianist, "Malagueña" and "Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2" were some of her favorite pieces to play. She enjoyed sharing this gift by playing for her church and at local nursing homes.

Judy loved her family, found joy in serving at the local food bank, was an ardent cat lover, a proponent of everyone splurging on a small slice of cake and a peanut butter milkshake and could play cards for hours on end. She favored taking walks to enjoy God’s creation, and above all was a devout Christian with a deep faith. She wanted everyone to know how much Jesus Christ changed her life.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Shawna (Josh) Humphrey; stepson, Jay (Laurie) Hassell; stepdaughter, Kari Hepworth (Hassell); sister, Sherry Haislet; 10 grandchildren: Sarah (Caleb), Shane, Kevin, Nick, Isaac (Brittany), Shawn, Emily, Shiann, Collin and Aidan; and great-grandchildren Hezekiah, Gianna and Magnus. She is preceded in death by her daughter Kristina Blankenship, sister Mary Lou Talbot and her husband, Al Hassell.

A viewing will be held from 9–10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., at Yates Funeral Homes — Hayden Chapel — 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Judy’s life.

The family would like to thank Creekside Inn and Hospice for their efforts, care and dedication to her peaceful passing.

Please visit Judy’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.