This week marked one-year since the passing of our sweet Morgan.  While this is a difficult time because we love and miss her dearly, it is also a time to reflect on and celebrate the blessings of her amazing life.  On Thursday December 6th, there were several remembrances for Morgan that truly touched our hearts.  Our family and close friends gathered at St. Mary Church for a Mass offered for Morgan.  At Notre Dame, Michael’s friends organized a 24-hour prayer vigil at the Grotto for Morgan (see picture above with candles laid out as “MJ”).  At Ohio State and Miami, friends prayed and lit chinese lanterns for Morgan.  At Wake Forest, her dance team and friends gathered at her memorial bench on campus.  The Studio for Dance released balloons with personal messages into the sky for Morgan and then went to Orange Leaf (Morgan’s favorite).

We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from family and friends over the past year.  Thanks for being there with us during this journey, and for sharing your faith-filled thoughts and prayers for Morgan and our family.   We challenge ourselves everyday to live our lives with the passion and positive spirit that Morgan so generously gave to others.  We are comforted knowing that Morgan is now with God in eternal life, and continues to watch over us as our dancing angel.  We pray for the health of the recipients of her organ donations, and are blessed to continue her legacy of caring for others through her Memorial Fund.

Morgan, we love you and your smile will always live on in our hearts.

Kristin, Libby and Leigh

On Friday, August 3, 2012, the Morgan Judd Memorial Gala was held at Xavier University with almost 450 in attendance.  It was a beautiful evening filled with remembrance, love and laughter.  We are so blessed to have the support of friends and family, and it was most evident that night as we remembered and celebrated the life of Morgan.  Special thanks to all who made this evening possible, especially Libby CaJacob and Kristin Brown who were instrumental in helping organize the event.

We raised over $15,000 to the support the charities of the Morgan Judd Memorial Fund, which will make a huge difference in the lives of others in the spirit of Morgan.  We know Morgan is always looking down on us and smiling, especially that night seeing everyone on the dance floor!  We miss you every day Morgan; You will forever be dancing in our hearts.

Jessica and Morgan

On May 27, 2012, the Studio for Dance dedicated this year’s recital in memory of our precious Morgan.  It was a beautiful and heartfelt performance; we were so touched by the courage and strength of the girls to perform dances in memory of Morgan.  Morgan’s dear friend and former dancing partner, Jessica Duncan, performed a beautiful lyrical solo to the song “For Good” from Wicked, which she renamed “For Morgan”.  The Senior Company then joined Jessica in a contemporary ballet piece “Our Dancing Angel”, to the music of “Danced in the Morning”.  Both dances were incredibly choreographed by Jeanne Harper.   We would like to extend a huge thank you to the girls for touching us with this beautiful tribute to Morgan which we will always cherish.  We know Morgan was dancing with you, as always, and smiling down from Heaven.  She would be so proud of each and every one of you!

The Studio for Dance was Morgan’s passion and love since she was 12 years old.  We are so grateful to owner Shari Poff, the wonderful dance instructors, staff and fellow students who were truly family to Morgan over the years.  Many of her happiest moments, best friendships and proudest accomplishments were all because of the Studio.  Thank you for continuing to be there for us and providing comfort over the last several months.  The memories of her six years at the Studio, including countless competitions, performances with the Cincinnati Pops, Windsor Symphony, etc., were all brought to a bittersweet conclusion by your incredible tribute on recital weekend.  We will forever hold these memories, and all of her studio family, in a special place in our hearts.

Wake Forest with Morgan's friends at the Memorial Bench

On March 22, 2012, Wake Forest held a beautiful memorial service for Morgan at the Wait Chapel on campus.  There were several wonderful tributes to Morgan and the dance team made a special video that celebrated Morgan’s impact with the dance team.  We hope to put the video on this website in the near future.  After the service, we processed to a new memorial bench dedicated to Morgan on campus with a plaque that says “Morgan Leigh Judd. Your Smile Lives on in our Hearts.”

We are so comforted and blessed to know that Morgan had such great friends at Wake Forest and touched so many lives.  Additional pictures from the Wake Forest visit are posted in the Photos section of the website.  Morgan’s WF friends will always be part of our family.

Morgan Leigh Judd

 Thank you for visiting Morgan’s website!  It is definitely a work-in-progress, but we decided to go ahead and launch it so that we have a way to share her amazing story.   Please check back as we continue to expand and add content.  Morgan was truly a miracle in the lives of her family and friends, as well as so many people who never had the opportunity to meet her, but are forever changed.  The ripple effect of good which she created is such an incredible blessing.  Our heartfelt thanks to everyone for their love, support and prayers… the outpouring has been truly amazing. 

A touching tribute

Watch Memorial Video.