Judy Rae (Johnson) Cedar, Mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend, passed
away October 15th, 2022 after living more than a decade with leukemia. Judy joined the
many relatives who preceded her, including Shawn Barnes (son), Iris Caroline (Bursch)
Johnson (mother), Frank Edward Johnson (father), Laurel Kay (Johnson) Becker
(sister), and other loved ones. Judy is survived by many relatives and friends. Judy
graduated from high school in Buffalo, Minnesota, and then earned a B.S. degree in
Housing from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, in July 1979. While a resident of
Minneapolis, Burschville, and White Bear Lake, Judy enjoyed life, enjoyed people, and
enjoyed a variety of friends from all aspects of her life.
The poem below was shared by Paula, Judy’s friend, and exemplifies Judy as a person:
“and perhaps
what made her beautiful
was not her appearance
at what she achieved,
but in her love
and in her courage,
and her audacity
to believe:
no matter
the darkness
around her,
Light ran wild
within her,
and that was the way
she came alive,
and it showed up
in everything.”
~ Morgan Harper Nichols ~
The following are kind words and/or memories from Judy’s dear friends:
“Meeting Judy 60 years ago during our first day of our high school freshman year meant
I was meeting a warrior. She faced each new challenge with the most positive attitude.
She was smart, she was loving, she was practical, and she was a fighter. She faced
death like she faced life. She guided us telling us, “To remember we all have to take a
turn on dying,” “Ring the bells that still can ring,” “I’ve had 14 marvelous years,” “fond
memories of family and friends,” “Peace and love to you all,” “good days and sad days,
that is what grief is—so I accept it,” “how could life be bleak with family and friends,” and
“Joy abounds.”
Judy, you are my hero. I hope to meet life’s challenges in the “Judy Cedar” way. Thank
you for showing us the way. As the song goes, “It’s been a long day without you, my
friend.” ~ Margie
“Judy was more than merely a high school friend. She epitomized the word friendship
and what it meant to actually care about another human being. Judy was such an
inspiration to me in her love of life and her willingness to do whatever needed to be
done to keep on getting it done. I truly loved that little woman with the big, big heart and
will miss her dearly.” ~ Cheri
“We have been friends since 1962 where we connected through our outlook on life,
equal parts serious and goofy, curious and questioning, dreaming and scheming, and
ready to explore the world beyond Buffalo, Minnesota. Judy exhibited personal positivity
tempered with a zeal to work toward solutions to the burning issues of today -
war/peace, caring for our environment, equitable healthcare, etc.” ~ Elaine
“Judy served the residents of Minneapolis for over forty years through her work with the
City’s redevelopment agency from 1968 through 2009. That work included a variety of
roles, starting as a secretary, then a relocation counselor and finally over 25 years as a
project coordinator. The types of projects Judy worked on were just as varied. They
included land sales to businesses in the Minnesota Technology Corridor, neighborhood
residential/commercial projects and Judy’s diligent, creative work guiding the
complicated Grain Belt Brewhouse and Bottineau Library projects to completion. Along
the way, Judy’s wide-ranging related assignments included managing a program under
which Minneapolis high school students could access cutting edge supercomputer
technology and completing an extensive documentation of all of the grain elevators in
the city.
Judy was respected by her managers and colleagues for her competence, reliability,
persistence, organizational skills and willingness to take on challenges. Judy was
treasured for her upbeat, authentic personality and was considered a true friend who
genuinely cared for her colleagues. Judy used her years of experience to be a "go to"
person for questions about agency history and acted as a mentor to some of her
younger colleagues. Judy was a dedicated lunchtime cribbage player and enjoyed
spending time with her work friends. That included the fun Judy had marching as a
bumble bee in the annual downtown Holidazzle parade with other redevelopment
agency friends. After retirement, Judy stayed in touch with many of her colleagues and
often was the organizer of group gatherings and reunions, an effort that was deeply
appreciated. Judy modeled how to embrace retirement with enthusiasm and joy." ~ Ann
“I first met Judy at work, and I knew that she was an interesting and curious woman. We
were friends but I didn’t know what a wonderful person she was. After Judy’s retirement
we began our adventures. There were a few before Judy’s retirement but as soon as
she retired, she said, will you go to Thunder Bay with me? I had the perfect travel
partner. Judy loved to plan trips, the stops, (art classes, museums, coal mines, capitals,
galleries) the hotels, the roads, (no freeways for Judy) and she always had her maps.
Judy loved maps. We had so much fun on our adventures.
The last we counted we’d reached fourteen. Our last trip was this past Spring and Judy
knew she wasn’t feeling well but wanted to go; a trooper, as she always was.
Judy was the kindest, most thoughtful, and wonderful person. Judy gave so much. Judy
had difficult and sad times in her life, and she managed to be such a bright star. Judy
was the best friend. I told Judy that she was my favorite person to travel with. Judy
laughed and said, “now that’s something.” ~ Rhonda
“I met Judy at a meeting in 1982 and we became friends. In October 1983, Judy was
my matron of honor at my wedding.
Judy introduced me to many, many new experiences I had never had the opportunity or
time to visit, especially with such a good friend. We visited and attended art galleries,
fabulous restaurants of all kinds, day trips by car and the arboretum. Also, she invited
me to attend the grand opening of the play Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat. We experienced giggles in a restaurant that we could not stop.
Judy will always be in my heart, and I will always remember our good times.” ~ Mary
“I will always remember Judy as someone who desired to stay connected with others-
her son, the rest of her family, her friends, and her coworkers. Judy was always honest
and had the integrity to be who she was while accepting others. I will always remember
Judy with a smile and gratitude for our many years of adventures together. Be at
peace, gentle spirit.” ~ Pat
“Judy was an enthusiastic founding member of the Field Trip Sisters aka FTS. We met
in 2016 on a bus trip to Mackinac Island. During these six years, we four regularly
took turns choosing a destination plus lunch spot. We shared our love of walking, simple
staycations, both indoors and outdoors, learning new things, being silly and eating out.
Our friendships deepened during these truly magical times. Thanks for the loving
memories, Judy.” ~ Mary Lou
*****
Judy had a vision for honoring the artists of the greater Twin Cities blues music scene
by creating a blues society dedicated to their music and their history. With determination
and dedication, Judy, along with Greg Harcus, established the "Greater Twin Cities
Blues Music Society" (GTCBMS). Starting with only two members, GTCBMS grew into
what is now known as the Minnesota Blues Society. GTCBMS held various events to
honor local artists, past and present, for their musical contributions, using their stories
and history to create a Twin Cities Blues Music library. She developed and implemented
'THE ROAD TO MEMPHIS' local competitions for artists to win the chance to compete
in the national competition in Memphis, which are still being held today. Her cancer led
to her early retirement from the GTCBMS board, but she never lost her love for music.
“Judy was a bright light in my life, and often had a mischievous twinkle in her eye. What
a great friend Judy was, through good times and bad. Judy shared her feelings and
listened to mine. We could laugh about so many things. Judy had a wonderful
soul. We met through the Minnesota Blues Society and enjoyed hearing our local blues
bands. I admired Judy’s interest in learning about history, new places, and
people.” ~ Renee
“I want you to know how glad I am to have met you. I never would have gone to
Memphis (IBC) if it were not for you. Thank you for recruiting me for the GTCBMS! I
want you to know that you impacted the world around you, and it is a lasting effect. I
hope that your transition is peaceful, and you are surrounded by everything you love. A
life well lived (There will be very good music playing for you!)” ~ Roz
“Thank you for everything. For your warmth, guidance, spirit, and friendship. We’re
praying you find peace and comfort. You’ve enriched the lives of others. Our gratitude
for everything you have done is beyond measure. ‘You are the Minnesota blues music
touchstone.’” ~ The Minnesota Blues Society
“Judy was one of my favorite people. When I needed a bit of wisdom, a laugh, or a
conversation with someone who demonstrated kindness and compassion for others,
Judy was just the right person to talk to. I will miss her.” ~ Jon Peterson, nephew-in-law
A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of Judy on Monday, November 7th,
2022 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum from 1:00-3:30 p.m., at 3675
Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318.
away October 15th, 2022 after living more than a decade with leukemia. Judy joined the
many relatives who preceded her, including Shawn Barnes (son), Iris Caroline (Bursch)
Johnson (mother), Frank Edward Johnson (father), Laurel Kay (Johnson) Becker
(sister), and other loved ones. Judy is survived by many relatives and friends. Judy
graduated from high school in Buffalo, Minnesota, and then earned a B.S. degree in
Housing from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, in July 1979. While a resident of
Minneapolis, Burschville, and White Bear Lake, Judy enjoyed life, enjoyed people, and
enjoyed a variety of friends from all aspects of her life.
The poem below was shared by Paula, Judy’s friend, and exemplifies Judy as a person:
“and perhaps
what made her beautiful
was not her appearance
at what she achieved,
but in her love
and in her courage,
and her audacity
to believe:
no matter
the darkness
around her,
Light ran wild
within her,
and that was the way
she came alive,
and it showed up
in everything.”
~ Morgan Harper Nichols ~
The following are kind words and/or memories from Judy’s dear friends:
“Meeting Judy 60 years ago during our first day of our high school freshman year meant
I was meeting a warrior. She faced each new challenge with the most positive attitude.
She was smart, she was loving, she was practical, and she was a fighter. She faced
death like she faced life. She guided us telling us, “To remember we all have to take a
turn on dying,” “Ring the bells that still can ring,” “I’ve had 14 marvelous years,” “fond
memories of family and friends,” “Peace and love to you all,” “good days and sad days,
that is what grief is—so I accept it,” “how could life be bleak with family and friends,” and
“Joy abounds.”
Judy, you are my hero. I hope to meet life’s challenges in the “Judy Cedar” way. Thank
you for showing us the way. As the song goes, “It’s been a long day without you, my
friend.” ~ Margie
“Judy was more than merely a high school friend. She epitomized the word friendship
and what it meant to actually care about another human being. Judy was such an
inspiration to me in her love of life and her willingness to do whatever needed to be
done to keep on getting it done. I truly loved that little woman with the big, big heart and
will miss her dearly.” ~ Cheri
“We have been friends since 1962 where we connected through our outlook on life,
equal parts serious and goofy, curious and questioning, dreaming and scheming, and
ready to explore the world beyond Buffalo, Minnesota. Judy exhibited personal positivity
tempered with a zeal to work toward solutions to the burning issues of today -
war/peace, caring for our environment, equitable healthcare, etc.” ~ Elaine
“Judy served the residents of Minneapolis for over forty years through her work with the
City’s redevelopment agency from 1968 through 2009. That work included a variety of
roles, starting as a secretary, then a relocation counselor and finally over 25 years as a
project coordinator. The types of projects Judy worked on were just as varied. They
included land sales to businesses in the Minnesota Technology Corridor, neighborhood
residential/commercial projects and Judy’s diligent, creative work guiding the
complicated Grain Belt Brewhouse and Bottineau Library projects to completion. Along
the way, Judy’s wide-ranging related assignments included managing a program under
which Minneapolis high school students could access cutting edge supercomputer
technology and completing an extensive documentation of all of the grain elevators in
the city.
Judy was respected by her managers and colleagues for her competence, reliability,
persistence, organizational skills and willingness to take on challenges. Judy was
treasured for her upbeat, authentic personality and was considered a true friend who
genuinely cared for her colleagues. Judy used her years of experience to be a "go to"
person for questions about agency history and acted as a mentor to some of her
younger colleagues. Judy was a dedicated lunchtime cribbage player and enjoyed
spending time with her work friends. That included the fun Judy had marching as a
bumble bee in the annual downtown Holidazzle parade with other redevelopment
agency friends. After retirement, Judy stayed in touch with many of her colleagues and
often was the organizer of group gatherings and reunions, an effort that was deeply
appreciated. Judy modeled how to embrace retirement with enthusiasm and joy." ~ Ann
“I first met Judy at work, and I knew that she was an interesting and curious woman. We
were friends but I didn’t know what a wonderful person she was. After Judy’s retirement
we began our adventures. There were a few before Judy’s retirement but as soon as
she retired, she said, will you go to Thunder Bay with me? I had the perfect travel
partner. Judy loved to plan trips, the stops, (art classes, museums, coal mines, capitals,
galleries) the hotels, the roads, (no freeways for Judy) and she always had her maps.
Judy loved maps. We had so much fun on our adventures.
The last we counted we’d reached fourteen. Our last trip was this past Spring and Judy
knew she wasn’t feeling well but wanted to go; a trooper, as she always was.
Judy was the kindest, most thoughtful, and wonderful person. Judy gave so much. Judy
had difficult and sad times in her life, and she managed to be such a bright star. Judy
was the best friend. I told Judy that she was my favorite person to travel with. Judy
laughed and said, “now that’s something.” ~ Rhonda
“I met Judy at a meeting in 1982 and we became friends. In October 1983, Judy was
my matron of honor at my wedding.
Judy introduced me to many, many new experiences I had never had the opportunity or
time to visit, especially with such a good friend. We visited and attended art galleries,
fabulous restaurants of all kinds, day trips by car and the arboretum. Also, she invited
me to attend the grand opening of the play Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat. We experienced giggles in a restaurant that we could not stop.
Judy will always be in my heart, and I will always remember our good times.” ~ Mary
“I will always remember Judy as someone who desired to stay connected with others-
her son, the rest of her family, her friends, and her coworkers. Judy was always honest
and had the integrity to be who she was while accepting others. I will always remember
Judy with a smile and gratitude for our many years of adventures together. Be at
peace, gentle spirit.” ~ Pat
“Judy was an enthusiastic founding member of the Field Trip Sisters aka FTS. We met
in 2016 on a bus trip to Mackinac Island. During these six years, we four regularly
took turns choosing a destination plus lunch spot. We shared our love of walking, simple
staycations, both indoors and outdoors, learning new things, being silly and eating out.
Our friendships deepened during these truly magical times. Thanks for the loving
memories, Judy.” ~ Mary Lou
*****
Judy had a vision for honoring the artists of the greater Twin Cities blues music scene
by creating a blues society dedicated to their music and their history. With determination
and dedication, Judy, along with Greg Harcus, established the "Greater Twin Cities
Blues Music Society" (GTCBMS). Starting with only two members, GTCBMS grew into
what is now known as the Minnesota Blues Society. GTCBMS held various events to
honor local artists, past and present, for their musical contributions, using their stories
and history to create a Twin Cities Blues Music library. She developed and implemented
'THE ROAD TO MEMPHIS' local competitions for artists to win the chance to compete
in the national competition in Memphis, which are still being held today. Her cancer led
to her early retirement from the GTCBMS board, but she never lost her love for music.
“Judy was a bright light in my life, and often had a mischievous twinkle in her eye. What
a great friend Judy was, through good times and bad. Judy shared her feelings and
listened to mine. We could laugh about so many things. Judy had a wonderful
soul. We met through the Minnesota Blues Society and enjoyed hearing our local blues
bands. I admired Judy’s interest in learning about history, new places, and
people.” ~ Renee
“I want you to know how glad I am to have met you. I never would have gone to
Memphis (IBC) if it were not for you. Thank you for recruiting me for the GTCBMS! I
want you to know that you impacted the world around you, and it is a lasting effect. I
hope that your transition is peaceful, and you are surrounded by everything you love. A
life well lived (There will be very good music playing for you!)” ~ Roz
“Thank you for everything. For your warmth, guidance, spirit, and friendship. We’re
praying you find peace and comfort. You’ve enriched the lives of others. Our gratitude
for everything you have done is beyond measure. ‘You are the Minnesota blues music
touchstone.’” ~ The Minnesota Blues Society
“Judy was one of my favorite people. When I needed a bit of wisdom, a laugh, or a
conversation with someone who demonstrated kindness and compassion for others,
Judy was just the right person to talk to. I will miss her.” ~ Jon Peterson, nephew-in-law
A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of Judy on Monday, November 7th,
2022 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum from 1:00-3:30 p.m., at 3675
Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318.
