Born February 25, 1944, she was 80 years old. A long-time resident of greater Chicago IL peacefully passed away in Milwaukee, WI on August 27, 2024. Judith was a resident of Wilson Commons Senior Community, Milwaukee.

Judith was a graduate of Milwaukee Lutheran High School, class of 1962. A graduate of Concordia College, River Forest, IL with a B.A. in Education. She received an M.S. in Geography from Illinois State University, Normal, IL as well as being in the graduate program in Administration of Adult-Continuing Education at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. Judith participated in numerous continuing professional education programs offered by the American Society of Association Executives, and the Chicago Society of Association Executives, at the University of Chicago. She participated in the Business Management program at the College of DuPage and many seminars with The Rosen Agency at The Buyers' Market of American Crafts, put on by the Naperville Chamber of Commerce and local business groups.

Judith was an educator and instructor in Geography and Public Speaking with the Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University), River Forest, IL and California Concordia College, Oakland, CA. Returning to the Midwest, Judith then went on to be the Senior Research Editor in Geography at Encyclopedia Britannica and Copy Editor for college textbooks with Moore Publishing Company. Judith also worked as a Professional Association Manager within the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as well as working with the International Personal Management Association and the Christian Legal Society.

In 1988, Judith started her own business, Owner and Manager of The Artists' Works, Inc. in Naperville, IL. Judith founded and operated a 1300 sq. ft. fine crafts store featuring the works of 200+ American and Canadian artisans. Producing numerous on-site artists' exhibitions, shows, local gallery walks and downtown promotional events. Judith learned the retail ropes while working at the Oak Park Hospital Gift Shop and through numerous community college classes.

After retiring, Judith volunteered for many organizations, her favorite being the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

Judith is survived by her loving family, brother Bruce (Linda) Kaponya, niece Stephanie Kaponya, great-nephew Kai, and niece Erica Kaponya (Adam Buth). Along with her lifetime friends, including Joyce Moore, with daughters Mary Rateau (Jon, Brea, Ryan, Mallory) & Jenny Moore-Mathews (Chris & Kirby) and neighbor Michael Hruby.

Judith will remain in our thoughts and prayers.