Judith M. Jobe

Born: August 29, 1942; in Peru, IL

Died: June 2, 2018; in DeKalb, IL

Judith M. Jobe, 75, of Sycamore, IL and Swanton, VT died Saturday, June 2, 2018, at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb.

She was born August 29, 1942, in Peru, IL to Henry and Hazel (Reynolds) Roda. She was married to Jarrig Visser. She attended LaSalle-Peru High School and Illinois Valley Community College. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and her Masters of Science in Education at Northern Illinois University. Judy was an English teacher at Hinckley-Big Rock High School and Kaneland High School, as well as Dean of Student Services and VP of Instruction of and Student Services at Elgin Community College.

Her awards included various certifications of leadership from the various organization in the Elgin area such as YWCA; Illinois Association of Student Councils (IASC)- past president; Les Lemke Award from Club Guadalupano, Elgin, as well as various awards from Elgin Community College for excellence, merit and leadership.

As her friend Laurie Erdmann described her, "She knew her own mind, and made a point of speaking truth to power, often in ways that made others, in particular, her 'superiors,' uncomfortable. She had an innate ability to suss out how things and people worked in any new environment, not to mention an intuitive sense of her students' varied talents, abilities and character. Students from all walks found their way to her classroom, before, during and after school. Here she made a space for them to think big and be creative in service to their school and the student body-at-large." She traveled the world extensively and had a great love of theatre, all of which helped her to find her most trusted and stalwart group of friends affectionately known as her "Circle of Friends." She was passionate about her dogs (otherwise known as her "Fur Babies"), and they gave her great comfort and joy. She was an ardent supporter of the DeKalb County Animal Shelter.

Survivors include her husband, Jarrig Visser of Sycamore, IL and Swanton, VT; one sister, Sandee Donahue of Sun City West, AZ; stepsons, Mario (Annette) Cardenas and Jose (Tara) Mercado; grandchildren, Kyler Mercado, Alyssa Mercado, Ryan Mercado all of Georgia; Jasmine Cardenas and Alexia Cardenas of IL; one aunt, Norma (Aunt Honey) Weber of Oglesby; Jim (Linda) Weber Portland, TX, Alan (Lynn) Weber from Princeton, IL, Judy's sisters and brother-in-law, Judy (John) Bunk of Rockford, IL, Sylvia (Frank) Kerzich of Shorewood, IL, Jeff (Tamara) Jobe of Algonquin, IL; niece, Rachel (Josh) Boyd of Three Lakes, WI; nephew, Morgan Jobe of DeKalb, IL; her cousins, Albert (Dianne) Roda of Oglesby, Connie (Bob) Guerrero of Utica, Linda Hannen of Utica, Irene (Joe) Rappa of Mount Prospect, Mary Lou (Alan) Pinn of Peru, Bob (Joyce) Roda of San Antonio, TX and Larry Roda of Peru.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Theodore (Ted) Jobe; parents, Henry and Hazel Roda; her brother-in-law, Mick Donahue; and cousin, Bill Roda.

There will be no funeral, but there will be a Celebration of Life near the end of September.

Memorials can be made to Elgin Community College's Ted Jobe Scholarship Fund; DeKalb County Animal Shelter- The Barn on Baseline, 16173 Baseline Road, Genoa, IL 60135; Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research American Parkinson's Disease Association-adpa.org

Arrangements by Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, Sycamore, IL. 815-895-2833. To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily-Chronicle on Jun. 9, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Judith Jobe

Sponsored by Butala Funeral Home & Crematory - Sycamore.

7 Entries

Karin Flodstrom

June 2, 2024

First I want to say that David Antos captured this remarkable woman perfectly. I was very happy to see her memorialized in this way. I was also a student at HBR and knew how much she valued David and admired his brilliance.

Judy encouraged my writing but more than that, she encouraged me to be myself. I was a feminist back in those days when we were called women´s libbers. 1969 - 1973. For some reason, I found it necessary to voice, my opinions In conservative Hinckley, Big Rock. I guess I was trying to change the world. Most people were tolerant and silent about my views. I was also ridiculed by others at school, church, and on the bus. Judy was the only one who was curious and interested in what I had to say. She really listened. Because of her, I felt it was OK for me to be me. I would´ve been lost without her.

She also encouraged me to find my voice in my writing and helped me get articles and poetry published in the Beacon News, DeKalb Chronicle, and Hinckley Review.

After graduation, she and I remained friends and met for lunch occasionally until we finally drifted apart. Judy was vibrant, enthusiastic, honest, fierce, and outspoken. She was also gorgeous and had a loud happy laugh. Her influence on me is enduring and endearing. I treasure our time together.
Karin Flodstrom

Carolyn Williams

September 12, 2018

Judy was one of my favorite administrators at Elgin Community College. She has a heart of gold, and she led with it. I admire her so much for that. She was the kind of leader who accomplished a lot while caring immensely about students and employees. RIP, Judy, and thank you.

David Antos

August 29, 2018

Judy was my teacher and mentor in a time and place now distant, yet closer than yesterday and the air I breathe. A person who so radiates kindness, empathy, and force of character exists beyond her time and space on earth and continues to influence each waking and dreaming moment of her students' lives. When I knew her she taught English, but her example taught a way of seeing the world and understanding others that dissolved the boundaries of disciplines and the barriers between people. Hers was an expansive and generous worldview that taught me to accept others and to understand the otherness in myself, that gently advocated the use of whatever God-given talents I had to help create a better world for all living things. Today especially, her birthday, I remember with gratitude the gift of her presence in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to have known her, whether through the years or, as in my case, for a few short years that made a world of difference.

Carol Vandre

June 11, 2018

Sympathy to the entire family,especially to her little sister,Sandee, who always spoke with pride, love and joy of her sister, Judy.

June 8, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 comfort your family.

Anne Almburg

June 7, 2018

Judy was one of my most memerable teachers. She inspired me in numerous ways: teaching can be humorous while rigorous, relationships matter, and be the best you possible. She will be missed and always fondly remembered.

Sara Blaser

June 7, 2018

Judy Jobe was one of the best teacher I ever had. She help me find my voice through writing, my purpose through volunteering and student leadership, and treated me as a person worthy of respect and capable of more than I thought possible. Rest In Peace, well done, good and faithful servant!

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