Judith Ann Keigher

Judith Ann (Conley) Keigher, 74, a.k.a: Judy, Jude, Mom, Ma, Mum, Grandma, Grandma Goose & Silly Goose, passed away at her residence, The Woods of Caledonia, Friday, June 9th, surrounded by her children.

Judy, mother to many and friend to all, was born in Chicago, IL February 22, 1943 to John C. and Alice (Horan) Conley. She graduated from Trinity High School (River Forest, IL) in 1961. The many friendships she forged at Trinity would last a lifetime.

Judy was an active parishioner/parent at St. Mary’s Church and School in Riverside, IL, where more wonderful, lifelong friendships were formed.

To her children, 1977 was the summer of Star Wars. To Judy, it was the summer to pack up the family, and relocate to Racine. Judy later began her most cherished chapter, when in 1979, she, her husband and eight children moved to Abinger Hammer, Surrey, U.K. She completely embedded herself in English culture, encouraging her children to attend British school, made more lifetime friends (there’s a theme here) and enjoyed every aspect of her days there. Upon their return, Judy and her family settled into the Racine community.

Throughout her life, Judy was a lover of art, music, travel, sports and games and had an infectious sense of fun and adventure. She instilled these loves in her children, her grandchildren, her friends and anyone lucky enough to have spent time with her. Never missing an opportunity to introduce something new to those close to her, she shared her enthusiasm for life with everyone she met. Wit, patience, advice and laughter came with ease. Judy’s sense of humor and silliness were adored by all that knew her. A jack-of-all-trades, a master of none. And, a collector of all things. Really – all things!

Judy’s role as a grandmother was something she took very seriously, especially when cheerleading, celebrating and supporting her grandkids. Although, there was nothing very serious about Judy when she was playing the part. She earned the moniker, “Grandma Goose” because of her contagious sense of fun. Her smile radiated whenever she was around any of her kids and grandkids and she was most content when they were off on a new escapade.

Judy is survived by her children: Patricia (Terence) Tollaksen, John, Kathleen (Donald Hybicki), Margaret, Brian, Anne (Richard) Murray, Robert, and Judith (Marc) Kellogg. Her grandchildren: Ryan (Erin) Tollaksen, Brett (Lucia) Tollaksen, Erin Tollaksen, Patrick (Paulina) Tollaksen, Alice Tollaksen, Kelvin (Sofia) Keigher, Paige Keigher, Conley Keigher, Christian Gonzales, Braiden Murray, Riley Murray, and Kylie Kellogg; seven great grandchildren; her sisters: Joan Jordan, Janet (Donald) Mackay; her dear cousin: Mary Jane (William) Downes and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, too numerous to list but not forgotten. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James C. Conley.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated. Mostly, the family asks that you paint a picture, play a game, do a puzzle, fly a kite, take a ride in or watch a hot air balloon, tell a joke or a funny story, create something, sing your favorite song at the top of your lungs, daydream, dance, feed the ducks, dig in the dirt, snuggle, hug, hug some more, and laugh. Laugh so hard you pee! These are the things that Judy treasured. She is loved heaps and heaps and will be missed oodles and oodles by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. …“And the tree was happy”

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at The Woods of Caledonia for their loving care of Judy and their accommodation to the family in her final week.

Visitation of family and friends will be held on Friday, June 30th, 2017 from 9:30 to 12:00 at The Siena Center, 5635 Erie Street, Racine, WI 53402, with Mass immediately following. Interment to follow at a later date.