Judy Ann Leonardelli of Decatur, IL left this Earth on July 15, 2024 in Decatur. Her sunrise was January 11, 1939 in Decatur.
Proceeded in death by her parents Herb and June Mathes, sons Rick and David Leonardelli and grandson Zac Leonardelli.
Survived by devoted partner of 22 years Joseph A. Cheatem (JC), loving son Ed Leonardelli and wife Sandra, loving granddaughter Kayla Leonardelli, adoring sisters Sandra Adams (Ron) and Rhonda Frazier, precious great-granddaughter Aubrey Leonardelli, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She always said her daughter-in-law was the daughter she never had. She and her partner raised Kayla from a very young age to a special young lady.
Judy was a compassionate person who dedicated much of her working life to helping others. From her time working at the Senior Resource Development Agency in Pueblo, Colorado, to her time as a counselor at Employ-Ex in Denver, Colorado, to her last position as a probation officer at the Denver County Jail, she treated people with respect and dignity. Most inmates at the jail would go to Judy when they needed assistance because they knew she would treat them with respect and compassion. They always respectfully called her called Miss Judy.
Judy loved to cook and was exceptional at it. Everything she made was not just delicious, but made with love. Two of her specialties she learned to make in Pueblo, Colorado were enchiladas and green chili. She had many who would have paid for her enchiladas.
She treasured her family and friends and found great joy when she moved back to Decatur in 2005 so she could be closer to her sisters. She always looked forward to visits with Sandra and Rhonda. They were once jokingly coined the Three Ruptured Ducks.
She loved jazz music and cherished when she was able to visit New Orleans. She also visited Europe while her son was stationed in Germany. Along with Germany, she visited Switzerland, Paris and drank beers with Ed at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. She loved going to the Louvre Museum in Paris…told her son, “I never thought I would see this.”
Judy had a passion for dogs/puppies. Recently, she usually had her pup Willie lying next to her. The two of them loved to hang out together. He brought her much comfort and love in her last few years. JC would often tell Willie, go get Judy, Willie would leap across the room to be next to her; to comfort and love her the way Willie could do.
Always cherished, never forgotten. We will see you again.