Judith Lenore (McCauley) Erickson, passed away on January 18 ^th , 2021 at the Solvay House in Duluth, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents Ariel and Josette (Durfee) McCauley, her first husband Kenneth Solheim, her second husband Robert Erickson, one sister Diane Hietala, and one grandson Nathan Lowney.

Judy was born on October 8 ^th , 1938 in Superior, WI. She was born into the Ojibwe heritage, originating on Wisconsin Point. She was a registered tribal member with the Fond du Lac Reservation in Cloquet, MN and was a direct descendant of Chief Osaugie. Growing up, Judy's fondest memories were of "the rock" located on the property where she was raised in Oakland, WI. Here, she would sneak off with her then boyfriend Kenny. Mischievous. Adventurous. And strong willed, she also loved playing on the ore docks with her cousin Georgia.

Judy attended East High School, where she was a proud member of the tumbling squad. She joined the work force after her youngest started school. Judy was hired on at North Star Drug as a clerk, retiring decades later as their bookkeeper. She loved it when the grandkids would pop in to visit her there! And all those Precious Moments, her expansive collection began at North Star.

After retirement, Judy moved back to the country. She felt most at peace when she was in nature. She used to feed the bears (!) who years later, continued to bring their offspring. She spent her last five years living with her daughter Kimberlee and Dale in Iron River, WI. It was here, where she felt a renewed sense of freedom. Overlooking the lake, she would watch the dogs chase butterflies.

Judy loved music—country was her favorite. She sang in the church choir(s), with the Sweet Adelines, and with North Shore Sounds. She even tried to teach herself how to play the Banjo! Mind you, not very well. Judy volunteered with Pilgrim Lutheran for many years, bringing the celebration of Eucharist to home bound members. She was a phenomenal stain glass artist. Her legacy lives on in these beautiful pieces. She read every James Patterson book. And goodness, did she love her crime shows.

Family was most important to Judy. She raised seven beautiful children. She remained close to her siblings, with the tribe, and she absolutely flourished as a grandmother. Judy was invested in each of her grandchildren's lives and right up until her final days, you'd still find her sharing special moments with her great grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her seven children, Kenneth "Buster" Solheim, Kimberlee (Dale) Mitchell, Koralee Sanford, Krystal (Michael) Tarolli, Karl "Buddy" (Esther) Solheim, Kathryn Solheim, and Kery Solheim; five siblings, Josette "Dode" Dietmier, David (Sharon) McCauley, Robert (Ruth) McCauley, Sara (Jerry) Oneill, and Steven (Jean) McCauley; 23 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; four pets, Lucy, Pappy, Sasha, and Rosie; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday July 24, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery with Rev. Will Mowchan as officiant. A luncheon will follow at the family's home in Iron River.