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.
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Aunt Judy, I love you from my early childhood years through our recent every few months phone calls. I have been honored to call you my Aunt Judy, and I will see you again in Heaven. Rest in peace and fly high with the Angels. Until then, all my heart, Susan.