2026 July 7th, Judy George

Judith “Judy” Barber George, a devoted mother, grandma, great-grandma, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, surrounded by her family that loved and adored her. She was 87 years old. Judy is now peacefully reunited with her beloved husband and soulmate for over 70 years, Richard "Dick" George, Jr., who preceded her in death in 2025.

Born on April 4, 1939, in Memphis, Tennessee, Judy was the loving daughter of Jack and Clara Barber. She grew up across the Midwest and South alongside her best friend and older sister, the late Beverly Smith and her cherished cousin, Linda Koehne. During her sophomore year of high school while living in Illinois, Judy’s life changed forever when she met Dick at Lyons Township High School. Following an impassioned plea from Dick to Judy’s parents, the couple attended the University of Illinois together. Judy graduated in 1961 with a degree in education and was a proud, lifelong member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Shortly after graduation, on August 19, 1961, Dick and Judy were married, embarking on an incredible, wonderful journey as a family.

The Ultimate Matriarch

Judy began her teaching career in Champaign, Illinois, and later in Addison, Illinois, as the couple relocated to the greater Chicago area. Their partnership deepened with the birth of their first child, Richard George III, in 1967, who was soon followed by two daughters, Susan in 1970 and Jenny in 1972. With the birth of the children, Judy retired from teaching to focus on raising their family in Elmhurst, Illinois.

Dick and Judy operated as an exceptional team, actively supporting their children through every milestone and activity while demonstrating the true meaning of partnership. In later years, they loved escaping the Midwest winters to Bonita Springs, Florida. Their Florida home became a beloved sanctuary where countless special memories were made with family gatherings, favorite local restaurants, and treasured traditions that their children and grandchildren will always hold dear.

Judy dedicated her time to her family and her community, volunteering for 20 years at Elmhurst Hospital. She was also a proud member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization dedicated to the advancement and education of women. When she wasn't volunteering or caring for her family, Judy cherished time spent with her close circles of friends, including playing mahjong as often as possible.

While Judy excelled in every role, her greatest joy was being a grandma to eight and a great grandma to one. She established a standard of unconditional love that her family will forever carry with them. Judy made every moment special through the simplest gestures: she made the absolute best eggs, patiently taught each grandchild how to play gin (always imparting her golden rule: "never take possibilities"), and was always the very first to call on their birthdays.

Surviving Family and Service Information

Judy is survived by her son, Rich, and daughter-in-law, Lisa George of Elmhurst, Illinois, and their children, Heather (Alex) Ong and great-granddaughter Clara of Overland Park, Kansas, Richard (Julia) George of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Megan George of Elmhurst; her daughter, Susan, and son-in-law, Pete Swanson of Naperville, Illinois, and their daughters, Savanna (fiancé Jack Kelly), Annika, and Cambria; and her daughter, Jenny, and son-in-law, Todd Young of Carmel, Indiana, and their children, Kendall and Trevor.

Services for Judy will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at her church of over 35 years, St. Peter’s Church, 125 W. Church St., Elmhurst, IL. Visitation will be held at the church from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a memorial service immediately following beginning at 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Judy's memory to the Lulu Corkhill Williams Friendship Fund, which provides emergency grants to Illinois women in need. Please make checks payable to the HY Chapter - P.E.O. with the memo line noting: Judy George Memorial Fund. Mail the checks to:

Pauline Rasho – P.E.O. Treasurer

135 S. York St., Unit 422

Elmhurst, IL 60126

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