Judith Pearson

Judith Ann (Kaiser) Pearson, age 83, of Windsor, formerly of LaSalle, Colorado, passed away at home on August 23, 2025. Judy was born on February 21, 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska, the first of four children and the only daughter of Glenn Kaiser and Naoma (Reeder) Kaiser. In 1953, she moved with her family to Lakewood, Colorado. She attended Bear Creek schools from the sixth through twelfth grades and graduated with honors from Bear Creek High School in 1960. Judy chose teaching as a career and attended Colorado State College (now the University of Northern Colorado) on a full scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and a minor in physical education in 1965. While there, she met and married Billy D. Pearson, with whom she had two children, Kellie Ann and Casey Dean. They later divorced. Judith's personal life was as vibrant as her professional one, and she will be remembered for her love and dedication to her family.

Judy spent her entire teaching career in Weld County School District RE-1. She began teaching math and girls' physical education at Valley Junior High in LaSalle. After a bond issue was passed in the district and middle schools were created, she spent the next 16 years as a math teacher at North Valley Middle School in LaSalle and the next 18 years teaching math at Valley High School in Gilcrest; she retired in 2000.

Judy's passion for learning and teaching kept her busy all her life. She was devoted to education and its power to change lives. God blessed her with a natural teaching talent, and she loved seeing her students excel. During her 35-year teaching career, Judy was recognized and respected as a distinguished mentor teacher. Her influence extended beyond her students, as she coached several student teachers, shaping the future of education. She also witnessed many female students enter the world of mathematics. While teaching, she was a sponsor of the pep club and cheerleaders, helped sponsor student council, dances, and proms, and enjoyed being a class sponsor. School spirit was always very important to her.

Judy taught two generations of students, and her true gift was making math "come alive" through events and stories pulled from everyday life. The Greeley Tribune was her constant companion. She clipped articles from sports, academia, and agriculture that mentioned Valley High students or graduates, then proudly displayed them on her classroom bulletin board, highlighting their names. She also used the articles to show students where math appeared in the real world, transforming them into word problems that encouraged students to think critically. Many remarked that they left her class not only understanding math but also enjoying it. Judy had a passion for explaining concepts until her students got it, and she never hesitated to spend extra time with those who needed help. She made math more than theoretical; she made it practical, engaging, and memorable with a balance of authority and fun. Remember Pi Day in high school Geometry class? She would often say: I'm truly blessed...I get to do something I love to do every day.

Judy’s dedication was recognized throughout her career; she was named RE-1’s Outstanding Teacher in 1970, honored in the La Salle Day Parade in 1997, and twice included in Who’s Who America’s Teachers in 1996 and 2000. She was an all-county choir member at Jefferson County Public Schools for two years and selected as a member of Quill and Scroll, an honorary newspaper organization. Judy excelled at sports and enjoyed playing volleyball and softball in high school and after graduation.

Beyond the classroom, Judy’s greatest joy was being ‘Grammy.’ She treasured time with her grandchildren – tutoring them in math, reading, building Lego creations, and cheering from the stands at swim meets, volleyball and tennis matches, and basketball games. She celebrated every flute recital, match, and milestone in their lives.

After retirement, Judy worked for several years on family genealogy, creating detailed scrapbooks and DVDs to preserve family history.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Larry and Dennis. She is survived by her daughter, Kellie Ann Janke (Brett), and children, Abigail and Paige; her son, Casey Dean Pearson (Cori), and children, Anika and Andrew. She is also survived by a brother, Barry Kaiser (Randa) of Lakewood.

Cremation has taken place, and the family will celebrate Judith’s life together at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, honoring Judy’s lifelong commitment to children.