Judith Ann “Judy” Karwan-Laird, of Bethany, Mo., passed away on September 15, 2020 at Liberty Hospital. Judy was born on August 2, 1951 in St. Charles, Mo.
She spent the first part of her life in Wentzville, Mo., and graduated from Wentzville High School in 1969. She later attended State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Mo., and Colorado Technical University in North Kansas City, Mo., where she received her nursing degree. She became a highly valued employee and was a finalist for “Employee of the Year” for Quest Diagnostics, a multi-national medical clinical laboratory, in 2018.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman Victor “Vic” and Opal Marjorie Bryant; brothers, Charles Sherman and Thomas L.V. “Butch” Bryant; and older sister, Shirley Bell Dickherber.
Survivors of her loving family include husband, Harry Laird of Bethany, Mo.; son, Gene Jay and his wife, Kelly Lavely, and their children, Brandon Michael and Morgan Elise of Columbia, Mo.; daughter, Sheri Marjorie Lavely-Leyva and her husband, Andrew Leyva, and two sons, Jeremiah Tyler “JT” Lavely and Benjamin Alexander Leyva of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; brothers, Bob Bryant of Anaheim, Calif., Bill Bryant and wife, Arleen, of Truro, Iowa, and Randy Bryant and wife, Kelly, of Lotus, Calif.; sisters, Linda Cavanaugh of Yucca Valley, Calif., and Lynette Crum of Indianola, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who she touched and will remember her fondly. She moved so many people’s lives in a profound way, with her unconditional love for people, family, and God; she made everyone’s lives better and will be deeply missed. We love you Judy “Mom”!
The Celebration of Life will be held at her home on November 7, 2020.
Our Sincere Condolences
My sincere condolences to her family. I never knew her, but I know how much she touched peoples lives.
Mary Casey
I’m very sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was my nursing school friend. I’m very thankful to have known her, studied with her, worked with her (clinical rotations), and – above all – laughed with her.
Ruth M. Swartzbaugh
