Judith Rae "Judy" Sanford

Judith Rae "Judy" Sanford obituary, Huntley, IL

Judith Rae "Judy" Sanford

Judith Sanford Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by DeFiore Funeral & Cremation Service on Aug. 27, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Judith "Judy" Rae Sanford, 90, formerly of Huntley, passed away at McHenry Hospital on August 19, 2025.
She was born on May 12, 1935, in Oconto, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Edith (Erickson) Matravers. After high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison for her first year of college. She then went on to Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where she studied to become a Medical Records Librarian. After working in that position for a time, she chose a different path to better accommodate raising her four children. She began working the early morning shift as a food server and eventually became the manager of the well-known Demon Dogs restaurant near DePaul University in Chicago. She remained there until her retirement. Later, she worked part-time at her local Mobil station, where she managed the food service. Judy was never one to remain idle for long-she was always a hard worker and a loyal employee.
Judy lived in Chicago for many years but longed for the quieter pace of a small town. She moved to Del Webb in Huntley, where she became active in her community and formed many close friendships that she cherished. She was also a devoted member of Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley.
Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her many friends and family members. She loved family gatherings, and the more the merrier was always her way. She was a beloved friend, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed.
Judy is survived by three of her children, Lisa (Chad) McCurdy, Linda (Gary) Manning, and Paul (Dawn) Sanford; ten grandchildren, Jake (Rebekah), Dylan (Angela), Justin, Tyler, Bradley, Grant, Devin (Hailey), Brendon, James (Rachel), and Jack; four great-grandchildren, James, Carter, Ryker, and Luke; as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, all of whom she dearly loved.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Mark Ray Sanford (Nancy); her grandson, Christopher "C.J." Verstraete (Elise); and her sisters, Marjorie (Harry) Kone and Marilyn (Richard) Krueger.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main St., Huntley, Illinois 60142. Memorial donations are suggested to Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, the Wounded Warrior Project, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Flowers may be delivered to Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley, Illinois.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772, or online condolences may be shared at www.defiorefuneral.com.

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

DeFiore Funeral & Cremation Service

10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL 60142

Make a Donation
in Judith Sanford's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support Judith's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Judith Sanford's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Judith Sanford's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?