Judith “Judy” Marlene Lake passed on at 69, by Lasana M. Sekou

CURACAO (WILLEMSTAD) - Judith “Judy” Marlene Lake passed away on August 7, 2026, at the Curacao Medical Center. She was 69.

Better known as Judy, Judith was born on November 29, 1956, in Aruba. She was the beloved daughter of Thomassillienne “Masso” Hermance Arnell and José Husurell Lake, Sr., both of St. Martin, who preceded her in death.

Judy is survived by her brothers and sisters: Jacqueline A. Sample-Lake and family, Lasana M. Sekou and family, Joseph H. Lake, Jr. and family, Nkosazana and Daphne Illis, Carmen Bowers-Lake, Jocelyne and Mobutu Illidge, MacFolda Gumbs, Juanita Lake-Shanks and Jomo Lake, Katrina Lake, David Wilson, Yolanda Carter, Priscilla Gumbs, Randy Hawley and their families; her aunt, Laura “Wendy” Arnell and family (Aruba), and her uncle, Harold “Sonny” Arnell and family (USA).

Judy is survived by her many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including the children of Louisa Reed—Linda, Roselyn, Ivionela, Roland, Perry, and their siblings—and Bernadine “Diné” Arnell and family, as well as family and friends in St. Martin, Curaçao, the USA, Aruba, Anguilla, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Judy grew up in St. Martin and the USA, attending primary school in Marigot, St. Joseph School in Great Bay, and PS 18 in Staten Island, New York.

At the time of her passing, Judy resided at Kas Kayena and previously at Huize Jos Wouter, both part of the SGR-Groep Foundation, where she received compassionate care over the years. Special thanks to the staff and unit leaders, including Migsela Blanco, Elisabeth Margaritha, and La Tresha Hassell, for their dedicated and dignified care. We also thank everyone who provided Judy with meaningful work opportunities and support throughout the years.

Many thanks also go to the nurses and hospital staff who cared for Judy during her stay at the Curacao Medical Center on August 7, 2026.

“Judy will be remembered for her warmth, love for her family, helpfulness, curiosity, care for her friends, and her fellow residents and personnel at Kas Kayena,” said her sister Jacqueline Lake-Sample.

“I’m so touched by the turnout for my sister’s funeral service,” said Sampe-Lake on Monday. The going-home ceremony for Judith “Judy” Marlene Lake took place at El Tributo in Willemstad on August 14. Family, friends, neighbors, and SGR-Groep representatives from Curaçao, the USA, St. Martin, and Bonaire attended the ceremony.

Judy was related to the Arnell, Lake, Sample, Louisa Reed, Richardson, Duruo, Duzant, Richards, Gumbs, and Arrindell families, among many others.

Rest in peace, beloved.