Judy Leibert Wilson

Judy Leibert Wilson, age 84, of Elizabeth, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 19. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, at Trinity Lutheran Church, outside of Elizabeth, Illinois. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Judy was born on December 18, 1941, the daughter of Ralph and Grace (Toepfer) Leibert. She was raised on the family farm in the Derinda area, where she learned the value of hard work early in life, helping with farm chores and milking cows alongside her family. Her education began in a one-room schoolhouse at Derinda Center School and continued at Elizabeth High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1959.

It was during her high school years that Judy met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Paul Wilson. The two were united in marriage on September 12, 1964. Together, they raised two children and shared 47 wonderful years of marriage until Paul’s passing in 2012.

Driven by a desire to help others, Judy pursued a career in nursing. She attended the Rockford Memorial School of Nursing and later achieved her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After a time living in Palatine, Illinois, where she worked at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Judy and Paul returned to the Elizabeth area. Judy served her local community at the Elizabeth Nursing Home for 30 years, where she eventually retired, leaving a lasting impact on countless patients and their families.

Judy’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Derinda, the church was truly her second home. Whether she was cleaning, organizing events, or participating in church potlucks and chili suppers, Judy was always there to serve. Her church family was her primary social circle and a source of great joy.

An avid gardener, Judy possessed a true green thumb. She could grow anything and keep it thriving, and her favorite place to be was outdoors "putzing" among her plants and garden. She had a unique knack for making her surroundings beautiful, especially at her cherished "house on the ridge," which Paul had built for her. Her children hold fond memories of picking wild grapes and black raspberries with her on the property.

Judy was a natural caregiver who always sought to make others feel comfortable. Known for her positive outlook, she never spoke ill of anyone and avoided strife whenever possible. However, her family will also remember her "feisty" side; she wasn't afraid to let her German heritage show through a bit of stubbornness when she felt strongly about something. Above all, she saw the good in every situation and every person.

Judy will be dearly missed by her two children, William (Jennifer) Wilson of Cambridge, Wisconsin, and Karen (Scott) Lisk of East Dubuque, Illinois; two granddaughters, Hope Wilson and Erin (Andrew) Hunter; three bonus grandchildren, Cameron Lisk, Keagan Lisk, and Tiffany Lisk; three great-grandchildren, Kayla, Kelsey, and Seth; and three very special honorary grandchildren, Joseph, Hannah, and Haley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents, Ralph and Grace; and her brother, Ralph Leibert Jr.

Judy’s family would like to give a special thank you to FHN Hospice, and Judy’s entire medical care team, for their amazing kindness and care throughout her end of life’s journey.