Judith Marie Tostenrud, age 76, of Blaine, MN, passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2026. Born in 1949 in Minneapolis, MN, Judy spent most of her childhood in Anoka before moving to Mankato, MN as a junior in high school. After graduating from high school, she pursued her passion for education by attending Mankato State College. There, she earned her Bachelor of Education degree in 1971 and later achieved her Master of Science Degree in 1992. Judy had a deep passion for both teaching and children, which she brought together when she moved to Valencia, Venezuela, in 1981. She was hired as a third grade teacher at Colegio Internacional de Carabobo (CIC). While teaching in Valencia, Judy returned to the United States during summer breaks to continue her studies toward her master's degree. Upon completion of her degree, she was promoted to Principal of CIC. Judy retired in 2016, concluding a remarkable 34 -year career in education.

Judy is fondly remembered by her students and colleagues as a caring, compassionate, diplomatic, dedicated, and patient influence who consistently went above and beyond to support and encourage others. Her friends and family recall her as kind, dedicated, fun-loving, humorous, and loyal. 

Judy was preceded in death by her sister, Naomi, and her parents, William and Ruth (Torvick) Merritt. She is survived by her sisters, Joyce (John) Lingle and Janice (James) Hartley, as well as her brothers, William (Diane) Merritt and Richard (Anne) Merritt, along with several loving nieces and nephews. 

A Memorial Service is being planned for Friday, April 17, 2026, at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay Street NW, Andover, MN 55304. Visitation at 12:30 PM and service at 1:30 PM. Coffee and desserts to follow service. Donations in Judith's name may be made to the American Red Cross.

Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home - Andover, MN - 763-767-7373 - www.thurston-deshaw.com