Judy Dawn Andahl

Judith Dawn Stuart Andahl, 73, passed away peacefully with her sister by her side on February 18, 2022 in Katy, Texas.

A celebration of life will occur at 1:00 PM, August 4, 2022, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Ave, Bismarck.

Judy was born to adoring parents, Russell W. and Iris G. Stuart on May 4, 1948, in Bismarck, ND. She was raised and educated in Bismarck graduating from Bismarck High School in 1966. She continued her education at North Dakota State University and Valley City State College, where she received her teaching degree. After graduation in 1970 she started her elementary teaching career of 32 years in the Mandan, ND school system mostly at Lewis and Clark Elementary. She was very fond of her students and children in general, especially the well-behaved ones, and enjoyed her teaching years and made life- long teacher friends. She married Paul Andahl in 1971 and for many years enjoyed helping with ranching life, cooking large meals for branding bees at the ranch and loved the Andahl family gatherings. Judy and Paul divorced in 1991.

Judy was a gentle, cheerful person with a kind, child-like heart. She dearly loved her family, friends and neighbors and always enjoyed visiting with whoever would take the time.  She loved to laugh, dance, shop, eat pizza and chocolate and almost always had a smile on her face. Judy lovingly helped her mom take care of her dad when his health was failing and later took care of her mom when she became ill. Judy was the most caring big sister, gave sisterly advice and shared many good times and good laughs with Peach. When her niece Alex arrived on the scene Judy became “Aunt extraordinaire” and Alex wanted for nothing if Aunt Judy was around.   She had a special love for her two dogs, Munchie and Zeta, and would certainly have won “Best Dog Mom” of the year for her devotion to them. 

Judy loved bold, jewel tone colors, clothing, shoes, dishes and beautiful jewelry. So, when she was hired as a salesperson at the Antique and Coin Exchange and was surrounded by all the pretties, she was overjoyed. Her jewelry collection grew by leaps and bounds and she took great pleasure in wearing all her beautiful pieces.

As far as Judy was concerned there was no better city or state to call home then Bismarck, ND (except for the limited shopping!) so it was a difficult decision to move her to Katy, Texas in 2014 because of her own health issues. That move did, however, give Judy and Peach a time to reconnect and Judy taught Peach a new appreciation for pink, purple and turquoise, bling and the importance of birthday celebrations. Although there were some difficult days there were also days filled with music, dancing, laughing and many bouquets of beautiful flowers furnished by her Earth Angels, Rita and Marlys.

She will be dearly missed by her sister, Peach, her niece, Alexandra and her two special sisters, Rita Landsberger and Marlys Martwick and all of those that knew and loved her. Though she leaves behind loving family and friends we are blessed with wonderful memories.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Iris Stuart and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Survivors include her sister Peach Thompson (Jim), niece Alexandra Eagle (Joel), great nephews Oliver and Graham Eagle, aunts Amy Stuart McNalley, Ruth Holton, and Nona Cochrane, and many dear cousins.

Her wish would be that any remembrance be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of your choice.