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Judith Joan Stromberger, 81, passed away on December 6, 2025, at OSF Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
She was born July 3, 1944, in Peoria to Dennis and Janice (Rahn) Sheppard. She married Jack Stromberger on April 12, 1969, in Washington, Illinois. He passed away on April 22, 2020.
Surviving are her children: Gary (Deb) Stromberger of Bloomington; Jill (Greg) Parkhurst of Robinson, John (Connie) Stromberger and Tami Stromberger of Washington; and Mark (Cara) Stromberger of Plainfield. Fifteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren also survive her. She is also survived by a brother, Dan Sheppard of Pekin, and a sister, Tina (Chris) Miller of Sharpsburg, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, four sisters, and one brother.
A 1962 graduate of Academy of Our Lady High School in Peoria, Judy became the first college graduate in her family, graduating from Illinois State University in 1966 with a degree in special education and a proud member of the Mai Kai Co-op sorority. What would follow would be a career in education that would span forty years.
Judy served as principal of St. Edward's Grade School in Chillicothe from 1990 to 1994, but the majority of her career was spent serving the students in Peoria's District 150. She also worked in the Lowpoint-Washburn and Beverly Manor school districts.
She was a former member of Peoria's DAR chapter. She was also active with Cursillo, the Peoria Area Water Wizards swim team, the Washington Park District swim team, and St. Patrick's Church in Washington.
Judy loved Panama City Beach, Florida, and selflessly doted on her family. Her Christmas and Thanksgiving parties were grand affairs with no detail left unscrutinized. She faithfully attended the events for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, followed by words of praise and a hug.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 am on Friday, December 12, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington. Fr. Matt Deptula will celebrate. Visitation will be from 4 pm until 6 pm on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Small Wonders Miracle Reunion, OSF Healthcare Foundation, 124 SW Adams St, Peoria, IL 61602. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
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