With deepest sorrow, we announce that Judith Ann Cesa, nee Beal, age 78, born July 3, 1946, in Ellsworth, Maine, peacefully passed away in the presence of her family November 25, 2024, in O’Fallon, IL, succumbing to healthcare complications to include acute onset dementia.
Judy had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She lit up the room wherever she was and would be the first to make a friend wherever she went. She was a trained hairdresser early in life, and absolutely enjoyed extravagant hair styling, colorful nails, and makeup to-the-tee.
Later in life, she became a primary care medical office technician, where she worked for many years for the same primary care practice in Berlin, NJ. Moreover, she was a devoted 30-year Navy wife to her late husband, Eddie Cesa, who passed away almost 9 years ago in Berlin, NJ. The two of them traveled the world during their military time, and kept the world safe during the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam Conflict/War, and the first Gulf War.
After moving to O’Fallon, IL from Berlin, NJ 9 years ago, Judy made fast friends who resembled the “Golden Girls” having their best life driving around in her best friend’s, Christine, cool grey Volkswagen Bug. Tearing up the streets, restaurants, and shopping stores in St.Clair County.
She was also very active in the O’Fallon Senior Citizen Group where she attended all their monthly meetings and dinners. Judy was also the designated monthly Birthday Card writer for the Senior Citizen Group who never missed a member’s special day throughout her multi-year tenure.
Furthermore, Judy was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and embraced every moment with them, and filled that time with joy. She especially loved her role as “Nan!”
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie; parents Albert and Theresa, nee Smith, Beal; and granddaughter Olivia Brazell-Cesa.
Surviving are her children Kiersten Cesa of O’Fallon, Ill., Christopher Cesa and his wife Angela of O’Fallon, Ill., Leni (John) Buckley, and Zeny (the late Erwin) Graf.; her grandchildren Aris (Michele) Cesa, Aiden Cesa, Xander Cesa, Xane Cesa, Xaaryn Cesa, Kevin (Serena) Buckley, Jannessa Buckley, Kyle Buckley, and Markus Graf; and her sister Jane (the late Henry) Lawson.
Online condolences may be expressed to the surviving Cesa family at www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Condolence Flowers may be sent to 309 Donna Dr., O’Fallon, IL 62269.
Additionally, Judy was such an animal lover that kind donations are welcome to Black Dog Rescue, Cheyenne, WY. Click here to donate to Black Dog Animal Rescue in “Memory of Judy Cesa.”
A private celebration of life luncheon in Judy’s honor will be held on her favorite shopping day of the year, Black Friday, November 29, 2024, at one of her favorite places to dine, Shoguns Hibachi Grill, Fairview Heights, IL. “Saki Time!”
Judy will be laid to rest with her late husband Eddie together at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
In closing, everyone who remembers her is asked to celebrate Judy’s life in their own way, raising a glass of their favorite drink in her memory would be a heartfelt tribute to her as she ascends to her final resting place in heaven.
Arrangements entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.
