Judith Susan Thompson

Judith Susan Thompson, lovingly known as Judy, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by her family in Libertyville, Illinois.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Judy was the daughter of Eleanore and Clemens Lehnen. From a young age, she showed remarkable artistic talent. At just 12 years old, she studied under Sister Thomasita in Milwaukee, attending art classes alongside adults. She graduated from Messmer Catholic High School and began her working life as a clerk.

At 21, Judy married the love of her life, Gerald, the boy-next-door. In a meaningful full-circle moment, Sister Thomasita crafted their wedding rings. Together, Judy and Gerald built a beautiful life and raised five children while creating homes in Milwaukee, Waukesha, St. Louis, and Cedar Rapids, before settling in Lake Forest, Illinois, where they lived for 40 years until their last move to Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.

Judy devoted herself both to her family and to caring for others. She worked nights as a caregiver for retired nuns at Barat Catholic College in Lake Forest, which led to a deeply meaningful career as a private caregiver. She spent more than 30 years caring for one individual, a role she fulfilled with extraordinary loyalty, compassion, and love.

Art remained a constant thread throughout Judy’s life. Her creative paintings filled their home and inspired their children. As life grew busier, she turned to collecting art and had a special love for the annual Deerpath Art League Labor Day Weekend Art Fair. Even when she wasn’t painting, she expressed her creativity through her home, embracing a vibrant, maximalist style.

Judy also found joy and artistry in cooking. She was known for her elaborate picnics at concerts on the lawn at Ravinia, where friends and family gathered to enjoy her special lemon bars and her mother-in-law’s beloved chocolate fudge cookies. She loved cookbooks by Martha Stewart and Ina Garten and enjoyed watching the Cooking Channel. She carefully printed and laminated her favorite recipes—treasured keepsakes that reflected her passion for food and family.

In retirement, Judy and Gerald traveled with dear friends to Banff, Canada, took an Alaskan cruise, and enjoyed a few trips to Vegas. As snowbirds, they made a second home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where they loved walking along the ocean, attending art shows, playing cards and forming lasting friendships.

After Gerald’s passing in 2020, Judy rediscovered her love of painting at the age of 84. In the final six years of her life, she created dozens of new works. She also enjoyed participating in the arts and crafts club at Green Oaks Senior Living, where she made many cherished friendships.

Judy is survived by her five children: Todd (Cathy) Thompson, Guy (Meg) Thompson, Jill (Jim) Dolan, Carrie (Jim) Bury, and Jerry (Michelle) Thompson; her eight grandchildren: Jennifer, Julie, Philip, Alexis, Emily, Quinn, Regan, and River; and five great-grandchildren: Charlie, Allison, Madelyn, Corbin, and Theodore. She is also survived by her brother, Terry (Mary) Lehnen.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald Thompson; her parents; her sister, Nancy Leibiger; and many dearly loved dogs.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her honor to Lambs Farm in Libertyville, Illinois.

Judy will be remembered for her kindness, and the love she shared with everyone around her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Green Oaks nurses, resident assistants, the entire St. Croix Hospice team and her caregivers on her final days for their compassionate care.