Judith Collazo

Judith "Judi" (Wright) Collazo, an effervescent woman known for her laughter-inducing wit and boundless love, died on April 10th, 2024, after a sudden health decline. She spent her 76 years of life turning every chance meeting into an opportunity to make a new friend. Born on December 2nd in 1947, she grew up in the small town of Oregon, IL, the only child of two loving parents. As she neared the end of her journey, Judi decided to spend her final months in the city of Chicago, a place she always loved.
A graduate of Knox College with a degree in theater, Judi chose to enter the lucrative career of independent children's theater before settling into the field of customer service. She co-created a theater company, tried her hand at several popular pyramid schemes, and even briefly turned her love of crafts into a business venture. No matter what she turned her focus towards, it was her joyous demeanor and infectious humor that brought her success.
Mike and Izzy Collazo, her only biological children, lead the ensemble cast of countless honorary offspring and a menagerie of beloved pets. A woman known for her love of inappropriate jokes and non-sequitur thinking, she was especially loved for her unrestrained giggles and laughter.
A cat enthusiast with a library card, Judi also had a lifelong appreciation for musical theater which she lovingly forced on her children. Her passion for fantasy, comic books and science fiction was as legendary as her love for good British television. Whether knitting or coloring in an exotic coloring book, Judi often paired her crafts with a (terrible) singing competition or a nice cozy murder show to surround herself with things she loved.
It's difficult to point to a single quote that captures the essence of Judi. Instead, make a point of telling every single person in your lives that you love them, as she never let a conversation end without making sure you knew you were loved. Her greatest passion in life was lifting up the people around her and making sure they knew they were special and cared for.
Per Judi's wishes, rather than having a traditional memorial service, the family will be hosting a celebration of her life some time this summer. Details will be shared publicly as plans are solidified.
For those interested in giving a gift in her memory, please consider donating to the Knox County Humane Society, a no-kill animal shelter close to Judi's alma mater. This charity honors both her life-long love of animals and her fondness for the area she grew up in. You can make an online donation using the link at the bottom of their website: https://knoxcountyhumanesociety.org