Judith K. Lezotte, age 83, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023, at The Villa at West Branch. She was born on January 5, 1940, in Detroit, MI to Howard and Dorothy (Comiskey) Reed. Judy lived in West Branch since 1978, formerly of Flat Rock, MI.
Judy owned and operated McDonald’s Restaurants in West Branch, Houghton Lake, Standish, AuGres, and Pinconning for many years. She was a charter member of the Women Operator Network (National McDonald’s Organization), and a charter member of Business & Professional Women of West Branch. Her passion was operating McDonald’s. She worked for Bell Telephone before owning the restaurants where she was the supervisor of all the operators for Metro Detroit.
Judy is survived by her son Ted Lezotte of West Branch; grandchildren Teddy, Emily, Luke, Ty, Elianna, Khy, Enneliese, Essabella, and Ezzaraya; and brother Thomas Reed.
She is preceded in death by her parents, two infant siblings Jill and Bryan, and her grandfather “Grandpa Luke”. He was well known in her McDonald’s restaurant, with a section of the restaurant named after him.
Per her wishes, cremation has taken place.
A graveside service will be held for the public on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in West Branch. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family to be used for the grandchildren.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com
