Judith "Judie" Ann Shapiro

Judith “Judie” Ann Shapiro passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at the age of 86. She will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt (known as “AJ” for Aunt Judie), and friend.

Born on December 5, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Fred and Flo Canfield, Judie was the oldest of three children. She grew up in North Minneapolis and Robbinsdale. While growing up in the city, she loved to spend summer vacations in the country, visiting her extended family in Beardsley, MN.

Judie was an alumna of St. Margaret’s Academy (known today as Benilde-St. Margaret’s), where she met many of her lifelong friends. She proudly continued to attend and plan high school reunions into her late 70s.

Her passion for education guided her career. She was the first to attend college in her family, graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in elementary education. She began her teaching career in the 1960s in Schenectady, NY and returned to Minnesota in the early 1970s. There, she taught in the Minneapolis Public school system for over 25 years at Harrison, Waite Park, and Field Elementary schools.

Judie met her future husband Neal on a blind date. They married in 1975 and lovingly raised their two sons, Marc and Daniel, in Golden Valley. Judie and Neal celebrated over 50 years of marriage until Neal’s passing this past April.

Judie loved to play piano, read, and play bridge. She was a longtime Guthrie and Orchestra Hall patron. She truly loved to travel, exploring Europe, Australia, Mexico, and many parts of the United States, often with friends and extended family. In her retirement years, she especially enjoyed coffee dates with friends and regularly volunteered at Courage Center and Saint Joseph’s. As a grandmother, she loved having her granddaughters over for Friday night dinners.

Judie is survived by her son, Marc (Shira); granddaughters, Maya and Aviva; brother Fred Canfield; sister-in-law Frances Corwin (Gregg); nephews, nieces, other dear relatives, and friends. Preceded in death by husband Neal; son Daniel; parents Fred and Flo Canfield; sister Mary Sue “Cookie” Pierce.

Funeral 1:00 PM Thurs., Sept. 10 at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, 15800 37th Ave. N, Plymouth, MN 55446, with gathering beginning 12:30 PM. Interment to follow at Adath Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery, Crystal.

 Friends and family gathering 6:30 PM, Sunday, Sept. 13 at 5901 Laurel Ave. party room, Golden Valley.