Judith "Judy" Ann Konieczka passed away peacefully at home on December 7 surrounded by family. Judy was born in Chicago on March 4, 1943, to Vincent and Julia Farrell nee Zaborac. Judy met her future husband, Ed, in high school and they got married on November 9, 1963.After living in an apartment in Chicago for a few years, Ed and Judy built their home in Glenwood in 1969 and they moved into the house in 1970. Judy resided in her home until September of this year when she moved to her oldest son's home in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Judy graduated from Bowen High School in Chicago. She received her Library Technical Assistant certification from Prairie State College. She was active in the church from an early age. She was the first female President of the Lateran Club. She was very active at St. John's Catholic Church in Glenwood until the church closed in 2021. Judy taught religious ed for many years when her kids were growing up and then again when she was in her 70's. Judy chaired the Stewardship committee for many years. She coordinated the parish food pantry and the holiday food drives. She also supported several homeless shelters. She was an active member of the St. John's Women's Club for many years and was selected as the Woman of the Year in 2004. She served as a sacristan and was a member of the parish council. Judy had a great passion her whole life for serving those who were less fortunate.

Judy's faith, love for family and spirit for volunteering influenced all she did. She volunteered to lead her children's activities including being a den leader for Cub Scouts, a coach for softball and many years as the homeroom mom. She organized and ran the concession stands for both baseball and softball for many years. She was a faithful fan at sporting events, concerts, and school programs for both her children and grandchildren. She served as the room mom for her daughter when she taught first grade.

Judy loved to take her family on vacations. They enjoyed many extended weekends at Wisconsin Dells, multiple trips to Disney World, as well as trips to Australia, the Bahamas and Texas. Her family has many happy memories from traveling. Her favorite names were "Mom" and "Grams". Judy was happiest when she was spending time with family, especially her grandchildren.

Judy was a reference librarian at the Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District for 19 years. She coordinated programs for adults, including the summer reading program. After retiring, she served as a Library Trustee for that same library for two terms. She continued to be involved in supporting the library when she and her oldest daughter started a Friends of the Library group; Judy served as the secretary for several years.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois from 4:00 to 7:30 PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Funeral services for Judith will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 beginning with closing prayers at 9:30 AM at the funeral home, then preceding to St. Ann Catholic Church, 3010 Ridge Road, Lansing for a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial with Father Bill McFarlane officiating. Judith will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Calumet City, Illinois.

Judy is survived by her children Ed (Melanie) Konieczka, John (Diane) Konieczka, Mary (Darren) Soucie and Kathleen Konieczka; grandchildren Liz (Colin) Harn, Mike (Malorie Ishman) Soucie, Emma, Evan, Ella, Eliza, Edriana and Ethan Konieczka; and great-grandchildren Giavanna and Leo Harn; her brother-in-law, Dennis Kranc, many nieces and nephews. Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ed; her oldest daughter, Alana; her two sisters Pat Kranc and Michele (Steve) Markowski and her parents, Vincent and Julia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy's name to South Suburban Pads (https://www.sspads.org/), your local library or a charity of your choice.