Judith "Judy" Honl

Obituary for Judith “Judy” Honl

Judith “Judy” Honl was born on April 19, 1938, in Seattle, Washington. She moved to Astoria, Oregon, at the age of 2, where she grew up and later raised her family. Judy passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at the age of 87.

Judy studied journalism at Willamette University, where she discovered her passion for storytelling and, more importantly, met the love of her life, Dr. Thomas Honl. They married on July 24, 1960, and together built a family and a home filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Judy’s path as an educator began in journalism, where her sharp wit and encouragement sparked a love of writing in many of her students. She later taught at Star of the Sea School, where she turned lessons into adventures. Regarded by many as “the best teacher they ever had,” she made learning fun with songs, dances, and endless creativity. She had a way of infusing magic, wonder, and enthusiasm into the ordinary, a gift that inspired generations of students.

A lifelong bookworm, Judy could never resist adding just one more book to her ever-growing collection. She had an insatiable curiosity and loved nothing more than getting lost in the pages of a good story. She was also deeply passionate about history, particularly the history of her beloved Astoria, and took great joy in preserving and sharing the stories of her hometown.

Her home bustled with the happy chaos of cats and dogs, each one a beloved companion. She especially loved her black cats, which in Norse mythology were regarded as symbols of good luck. Just as dear to her was her nearly 100% Norwegian heritage, which she claimed with both pride and playful humor, never missing an opportunity to crack a Scandinavian joke, usually at the expense of a Swede.

She was preceded in death by Tom; her parents, Bill and Emily Olsen; and her sisters, Olise Tukey and Celeste Gieseke. She is survived by her three sons: William, Frans, and Jon “Christian” (and his wife, Tracy); as well as her treasured granddaughter, Emily.

To know Judy was to love her. She was a devoted teacher, a loyal friend, a wonderful neighbor, a cherished wife, sister, and mother, and above all, a force of nature who left joy in her wake. Her memory will live on in the students she inspired, the friends who adored her, and the family who will forever be proud to call her their own.

A funeral mass will be held on October 25, 2025, at 12pm at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Judy’s remarkable life.