Julianne "Judy" C. Layton

Julianne “Judy” C. Layton passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Born on April 19, 1941, in Manhattan, New York, to Thomas and Mary (Delaney) O’Rourke, Judy grew up in New Jersey, where she attended Catholic schools and graduated from Lakeland High School in 1959. Shortly after graduation, she began working for Jersey Bell, where she met the love of her life, Stanley “Joe” Layton. Judy and Joe shared a beautiful marriage and built a life centered on their three children, Jacqueline, John, and Jennifer.

In the 1970s, the family relocated to Greeley, Colorado. After spending several years at home raising her children, Judy began a distinguished 31 year career in the registration department at the University of Northern Colorado. Throughout her decades in Greeley, Judy was a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church community, serving on numerous committees and living a life deeply rooted in her Catholic faith. Known for her "bright light" and a heart that truly knew no stranger, Judy was a friend to all and a source of constant warmth to those around her.

The true highlight of Judy’s life was her family. She was a fixture at her grandchildren’s many activities, rarely missing an event and cherishing every moment spent in their company. She is survived by her daughter Jackie Lyman (Jake Miskimins), her son John (Jo) Layton, and her daughter Jennifer (Brian) Dunlap. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Matt Lyman, Kylie Lyman, Joe Layton, Meagan Lorance, John Lorance, and Hannah Dunlap; her brothers Thomas (Cookie) O’Rourke and John Wilde; her sister Darene (John) Kennedy; and her brother-in-law Bill (Gloria) Layton. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents; her stepfather, John Wilde; her brother, Ron Wilde; her in-laws Edna and Bruno Felsmann and William Layton; her brothers-in-law Larry and Thomas Layton, and her nephew, John Kennedy.

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greeley, beginning with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Linn Grove Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held after the services at Adamson Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.