Judith Anne Carlson
Judith Anne Carlson, age 84, of LaGrange, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital.
Born in Berwyn, IL on July 20, 1938, Judy was the daughter of the late John and Ida Filipenko, and the younger sister of the late Warren (Teresa) Filipenko. She grew up in a household where family ties were everything. The little home was bursting at the seams with the addition of her Grandma Anna and Aunt Ruth, but it was always filled with love. It was here that Judy honed her skills as a seamstress – able to turn a plain piece of muslin into exquisite draperies, always approaching tasks with the love that was instilled in her by her mother and grandmother.
On December 30, 1956, at the tender age of 18, Judy married the love of her life, Jerry Carlson. The two of them spent the next 66 years showing the world what true love really meant. Once their daughter, Barb, was old enough, Judy returned to school and obtained her GED and then went straight on to college to become a Registered Nurse. She worked hard, often studying all night so that her family never felt neglected, and managed to maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA. She worked at LaGrange Memorial Hospital and MacNeal Hospital in the CCU while continuing her studies to become a CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), and taking classes to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing – all while taking care of her little family.
Judy took a new direction in her nursing degree; leaving the fast paced and hectic atmosphere of the CCU, becoming an Industrial Nurse at Universal Oil Products. With no experience in Industrial Nursing, but the desire to learn, Judy marched herself right into the office of the HR manager and told him that she was, “the right person for the job”. She must have been pretty convincing, because she was hired and remained with UOP until her retirement.
Judy spent many sun-filled days perfecting a garden that would bloom from early spring to late fall. She was a skilled baker who made the best cinnamon rolls and pies – often making well over 30 pecan pies to distribute to friends and Jerry’s customers at Christmas each year. Jerry was, of course, right by her side as the sous chef and delivery boy.
Judy also volunteered her time at The LeaderShop (formerly CEP), helping young school-age children solidify their reading and math skills. Of course, she baked lots of goodies to reward her young prodigies. She always said that spending time with children and teens kept her young at heart.
Judy was the beloved wife of Gerald, loving mother of Barbara (Ted) Kapustka, cherished grandmother of Stephan and Olivia. With her heart wide open, she was also “Momma Judy” to Barb’s best friend, Debbie (Phil) Byers and added Debbie’s daughter, Jessi, as one of her own.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Habitat for Humanity or The LeaderShop are greatly appreciated.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7pm on Friday, April 28th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., -Countryside. Burial will take place privately at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery, Oak Brook Terrace. Funeral information: 708-352-6500.
Judy has been a good friend to me since I left my family in Colorado and moved to La Grange. She was someone who amazed and influenced me with her many talents. As her obituary says, she was a very hard working woman who loved her family and home. She worked in her retirement as dedicated as she did throughout her life. My husband and family and I were the fortunate recipients of her delicious Pecan Pie. She sent one to us for many Christmas celebrations. She made the world a better place and will be dearly missed.
Judy has been such a generous hearted person. She has been dedicated to family and welcoming to so many. I have so many deeply fond memories of being a part of her family. My cousin Barb and I spent so much time together when we were growing up. Going to Broadview church with them was such a treat for me. Barb always had the most beautiful dresses and would share them with me for church. Judy was a great cook and I was lucky enough to experience that first hand. She always set the nicest table even for a sandwich lunch after swimming in the pool and the sandwiches were always so delicious. Her baking skills were amazing and I will always remember them. I think of her every time I see a pecan pie! I say to myself, “Judy made the best pecan pies.” She made the world a better place and added so much joy and comfort to my life. She always made me feel special. Our lives get busy and we lose touch but she is always in my heart and I will never forget and always cherish the love she showered upon me. My heart is broken. My love and prayers are with Gerry, Barb, Stephan, Olivia and Ted. May God hold you up and give your strength in your grief. My heart is with you all.