Judith A. Winter, 72, of Belleville, IL, born March 12, 1952, in Belleville, IL, died Friday, December 6, 2024, at Freeburg Care Center, Freeburg, IL.
Judy was a graduate of St. Mary’s Grade School and the Academy of Notre Dame. She then went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in special education. She had also been working on her master’s degree in special education from SIUE.
Special education was a passion of Judy’s, and she taught for many years at Mamie O. Stookey School and opened her heart and home to all of her students, including respite care during off hours.
Judy was very active and enjoyed the great outdoors. When she wasn’t teaching, she enjoyed bike riding and was especially proud of the time she rode her bike from St. Mary’s to Elephant Rock and back with her church group. Judy was also very creative and loved experimenting with stained glass, photography, spoon rings, and many other crafts.
On January 30, 1981, she was involved in a car accident which profoundly changed the course of her life. Despite the weight of this misfortune, she was always very strong-willed and often found ways to communicate with others through her infectious smile and spirit.
Judy was preceded in death by her father, Henry C. “Coy” Winter; her mother, Elsie M., nee Kosar, Winter; and dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Surviving are three sisters and two brothers, Linda (Butch) Dohrman, Thom (Amy) Winter, Kathy (Rob) Anderson, John (Michelle) Winter, and Mary (Mike) Blaies; 13 nieces and nephews, Megan (Clay) Bertelsman, Rebecca (John Weiler) Dohrman, Tony Dohrman, Tannan (Whitney) Winter, Tali (Danny) Vaughn, Rob Jr. (Ampi) Anderson, Tiffany Anderson, Amanda (Andy) Berg, John Henry (Meg) Winter, Dayna Winter, Jennifer (Kurt) Westerfield, Brad (Meg) Blaies, and Danny (Martha Mehring) Blaies; 22 great nieces and nephews, Allison, Jack, Noah, Ella, Rose, Bohden, Wren, Greysen, Cora, Caleb, Robby III, Lola, Isla, Penny, Addy, Jake, Alex, Carly, Wesley, Madison, Keaton, and Desmond; and many beloved cousins, friends, and other family members. In addition, the family would like to thank the staff at Freeburg Care Center for their special attention and love.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Freeburg Care Center or the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
Judy was a very kind and giving person. As a final act of teaching and kindness, she donated her body to Washington University School of Medicine as her father did before her. Judy would like you to follow her lead with your own personal act of kindness.
