Obituaries

Judy Marie (Porcaro) Hill, age 71, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on July 25, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie. She was born June 4, 1955, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Joseph Francis and Deloris Mae (During) Porcaro.

Judy was a very vivacious person who seemed to light up any room she entered. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and tell stories. She had a knack for developing friendships wherever she went and enjoyed helping people solve their relationship problems. For several years, Judy and her husband, Rich, owned and managed “Forever Yours” crystal store in Traverse City, Michigan. They then moved back to Sault Ste. Marie and opened “Whitefish Bay Furniture” and later, “20 Below Gallery and Gifts”. For about ten years, she sub taught for Sault Area Public Schools and taught music to 1st and 2nd graders at Washington Elementary School.

Judy attended college at Eastern Michigan University, Lake Superior State University (where she enjoyed playing women’s volleyball) and she then graduated from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in theater.

Judy participated enthusiastically in the community theater in both Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, as well as Traverse City, Michigan, and Marquette, Michigan. She enjoyed playing the guitar and singing in several local bands, such as, “Your Mother’s Mustache,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and “No Strings Attached.” She also played guitar and sang every Wednesday at the CC Hall with many other musicians. And for many years, she was an active member of Christopher Columbus Hall Women’s Auxiliary.

Outside of her love for music, Judy enjoyed playing racquetball and tennis with her friends for many years and socializing with them. Her two boys, Travis and Coleman, were the light of her life by far. She loved traveling with her family to California, Alaska, Las Vegas, and to Basketball State Championships in East Lansing for her boys.

Judy is survived by her husband, Richard; sons, Travis (Kaitlin) Hill of Kinross, Michigan, and Coleman (Tara Beard) Hill of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Eli, Otto, Ira, and Parker; siblings, Steven (Laurie) Porcaro, Thomas (Londa) Porcaro, and Bonnie Porcaro, all of Sault Ste. Marie.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Deloris.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the American Legion Post #3, 3 Legion Dr., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Celebration of Life begins at 1:00 PM.

In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly request memorial donations be made to the Chippewa County Community Foundation to support the Judy Hill Memorial Fund, honoring Judy’s legacy. This fund will help support the music program for elementary students at Sault Area Public Schools.

“Our hearts are broken, and we will all miss her tremendously. She was a bright shining star streaking through our lives, and for that, we will be eternally grateful.”

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.