Judith R. Lee

Judith Rose Lee, 88, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 10:18 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born July 1, 1937 in Spring Valley, Illinois, the only child of Fred and Dorothy Koloski. After being set up on a blind date by mutual friends, Judy met John Michael Lee, Jr. They were later married on April 14, 1956 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Galesburg. John preceded her in death on September 7, 2017.

Judy is survived by her children, Mike Lee of Galesburg, Laurie McKillip of Galesburg, Kelly (Chris) Sokol of Orlando, Florida, and Kevin (Kelly) Lee of Oswego, Illinois. Judy is also survived by her six grandchildren, Christoper (Ellen) Lee of Galesburg, Gregory (Marissa) McKillip of Chicago, Allison VanFleet of Knoxville, MacKenzie (Jarrett) Bergman of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Matthew Sokol of Orlando, Florida, and Colby Lee of Oswego; three great grandchildren, Cameron Coe, Hayden Taylor, and Zoey VanFleet; and a daughter-in-law, Loleta Thurman of Galesburg.

While the children were growing up, Judy enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom. As the kids grew up, Judy began working at Weaver Yemm Chevrolet in Galesburg, eventually retiring from Yemm Auto in 1999. In her 50’s, Judy went back to school earning her AAS in nursing from Carl Sandburg College.

Judy never met a stranger. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joys. She welcomed any and all of their friends and significant others into her home with a warm smile and a kind heart. Her door was always open and a chair at the ready around her kitchen table. Perhaps Neil Diamond might be playing in the background. She always offered thoughtful advice and never put herself first. She was an avid bird watcher and loved all animals, big and small. She was a fantastic cook and loved Sunday dinners with her kids growing up. Her love, support, kindness, and generosity will be missed by all.

Cremation will be accorded. Private family graveside services with interment will be in the Spring of 2026 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society or to the American Heart Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.