Judith Wallin

Judith Wallin nee Gurtler, age 66, late of Orland Park formerly of Beverly. Beloved wife of Gordon; devoted mother of James and Steven; loving sister of Lester (Cathy) Gurtler, Miriam (Gerald) Dykstra and Deborah (Terry) Ridder; kind aunt of many nieces and nephews. Dedicated teacher to thousands of CPS students. Passionate gardener and faithful servant. Visitation Tuesday 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service Wednesday 10:00 a.m. at THORNRIDGE FUNERAL HOME (Janusz Family Funeral Service), 14318 S. LaGrange Rd., (Northbound Traffic: U-Turn permitted at 143rd St.), Orland Park. Interment Cedar Park Cemetery. Memorials directed to ALS Association, Unity Hospice or the family.Judy Wallin had lived in the Beverly Community most of her 65 years before they moved out of the City. By today's mortality tables, she should have another 20 years to enjoy retirement with her husband of 33 years, Gordon. Sadly, her life was cut short by a rare disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease. Most know it as Lou Gehrig's Disease. It's related to muscular dystrophy, and for those who are afflicted, it is a cruel death sentence. For nearly seven years she had been suffering from this rapidly degenerative disease for which there is no cure. She was struggling daily with basic motor skills, degenerative muscle function, and needing help with basic biological functions, she and her retired husband rapidly spend down their assets on medical home care and medications. Wallin has dedicated her life to serving others. After growing up in Beverly and studying in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), she decided to become a teacher in the CPS. Many years of teaching were in the inner city. She was later assigned by the CPS to Barnard Elementary School in Beverly for the final 15 years of her career. With a Master's degree in teaching, Wallin's 34-year career was dedicated to improving the lives of students. As a woman of strong character, she committed her life to edifying others through teaching. Also a mother of two sons, James and Steven, Wallin had spent her life putting the needs of others before her own. "All I wanted to do was see the kids develop and realize their potential," she said. "Even if the scores were not really high, as long as they had a measurable improvement. She enjoyed her students, and classroom memories are still vivid and bring a smile. "Little kids thought all I could eat was apples," Wallin said with a grin. "One time the kids and some parents gave me a birthday cake and brought a basket of apples." In better times, gardening was a comforting hobby. Vegetables, herbs, or flowers, it didn't matter. It seemed as though her gardening was a metaphor for her love of the children she taught."Flowers, all of them have a place." Wallin said, "variety, order in nature, something blooming all year round - and nothing talks back." Having taught kindergarten, primary through secondary levels, Wallin was proud to make a difference. "I was fair; but I pushed them to a higher standard," Wallin said. "I set higher standards and their gifts were developed. All kids want to excel if they're allowed to or shown how to." Professional fulfillment for Wallin came when students succeeded, she said. "Oh, Mrs. Wallin! I finally got it. I finally understand!' They learned the lessons, and they applied them."