Judith Anne Zacha

Judith “Judy” A.  Zacha, 78, of Benton Harbor, MI, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2017. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 24, 2017, at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI, with Dr Rev. Chuck Guerrieno officiating.  Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma.  Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made in Judy’s name to Lakeland Foundation or Alzheimer Association.  Those wishing to sign Judy’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Judy was born on October 4, 1938, in Battle Creek, MI, to Howard and Bette (Flaherty) Christman.  She graduated from St. Joseph High School and attended Michigan State University. On April 5, 1958, Judy married Ronald Zacha at the Congregational Church in Benton Harbor. Judy was a Physical Education teacher at the Catholic schools in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor.  She joined the staffing industry in 1970 and ultimately founded Beacon Services in 1981.  During her career, she was involved both locally and nationally in various business and philanthropic organizations.  She had a passion to advance her industry through involvement in the American Staffing Association (ASA).  Judy founded the Michigan chapter of ASA and rose through the ranks of the national trade association, chairing committees, joining the board of directors and becoming the Chairperson.  She was inducted into the Staffing Industry Hall of Fame in 2007.  Locally, she was active in the Women’s Service League, Lake Michigan College Board and Foundation, Rotary (the first female invited to join), Working Women’s Golf League and Bowling.  Judy was also involved in Blossomtime, St. Joe Football Moms and First Congregational Church Board. The local YWCA awarded her Businesswomen of the Year and she was appointed by Governor Engler to the State Board overseeing regulatory issues for the staffing industry.  She was active in National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and awarded Top 25 Women’s Business Owners in Michigan.  She also spent many years on the Lakeland Hospital Board of Directors and serving the Lakeland Foundation. Wherever she was involved Judy brought fun, seriousness, clear thinking, commitment and a determination to scale whatever obstacles were present, to succeed.   Her leadership was contagious and served as a great example for others. Judy always put family first and her greatest joy was time spent with them.  Judy is survived by her husband Ronald; daughter, Catherine “Cathy” (Glen) Averill of St. Joseph, MI and son Mark (Karla Hertzog) Zacha of Grand Rapids’ grandchildren, Adam, Katrina & Madeline Zacha and Palmer & Samantha Averill.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Ron Gaynor of St. Joseph; nephew, Scott (Christine) Gaynor of South Carolina; nieces, Tracy (Eric) Lipsett of New Hampshire and Becky (Jimmy) DuPree of North Carolina; and nephew, Dr. Rev. Michael (Mary Louise) Ott of Grand Rapids. Judy is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Nancy Gaynor.