Judith A Jakaitis

Judith Ann Jakaitis (“Judy”) of Chicago, IL passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the age of 83. She was born on June 20, 1943 in St. James, MO, traveled extensively growing up including in Turkey and Greece, but spent her entire adult life living in Chicago, IL.

She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Education in 1965 and worked for the Chicago Public Schools teaching hearing impaired children of all ages. She was actively involved in the Lake Shore Ski Club for many years serving as Treasurer and was an avid life-long downhill snow skier and bicyclist. She was also active in American Women for International Understanding (AWIU) serving as an officer and traveling to Somalia and India among other trips. As a avid world-traveler, Judy explored such exotic places as Tonga, Nepal, Bhutan, and Botswana.

While in Chicago, she spent her time going to the theater, holding season tickets to Timeline Theater, Steppenwolf, and the Goodman Theater for many years. She was known for her culinary skills and loved hosting dinner parties for her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Eileen and Bruno Jakaitis and her sister , Joan Wurzburger. Left to cherish her memory are her partner Richard C. Zaber of Chicago, IL and brother-in-law Nils Wurzburger of Bloomington, IL; nieces Kristin Wurzburger (Julio Santiago) of Aledo, IL, Kathy Sims of Bloomington, IL, and Wendy Madsen (Brian) of Clinton, IL; and nephew Scott Wurzburger (Julie) of Rapid City, SD, as well as many great nieces and nephews, several great, great nieces and nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

Aunt Judy, or “Tante” as she was known to close family was that wise, generous, adventurous, fun aunt who cared deeply for her family, attended every graduation, wedding, and other important family event she could and took many of her nieces, nephews, and greats on trips across the world so they could explore the world and get a taste of what it had to offer.

Per Judith’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for her many friends and family. Interment will also take place at a later time.

The family would like to thank Accord Hospice as well as caregivers Edith and Ana for their care and compassion they showed Judy in her final days. Special thanks to Neptune Society for their help with Judith’s disposition, obituary and photo/memorial display.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Judith’s honor to American Women for International Understanding (AWIU).