Judith Thom

Judy Thom, 87, of Peoria, passed to her eternal home on Sunday, November 3, at OSF hospital, after a brief illness. She was strong and courageous until the end, the weakness of her body no longer able to carry her. Having beaten leukemia in 2014 and then breast cancer five years later, the treatments took their toll.

Born April 2, 1937, in Peoria, Illinois, to Philip Biederbeck and Hannah Englund, Jude married Jim Thom in 2006 after the passing of her previous husband Will Frye. Jim and Jude found love and happiness together, enjoying golfing, trips to Florida, and the many friendships they shared through the Elks.

She is survived by her husband Jim, son Steve Adkins, daughter Susie (Charles) Buegel, stepson Rick Frye, stepdaughters Kelly (William) Wendlandt, Debbie (Dan) Shields, grandchildren Anna Joy, Matt, Beth, step-grandchildren Laura (Scott), Tim (Jess), Nate, Collin, Katie and Cassie, step-great-grandchildren Sammy and Joey, and her dearly-loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandson Lucas, her parents, and siblings Phyllis and Bill.

Jude’s keen eye for beauty and polished creativity motivated her to maintain an aesthetically-fulfilling atmosphere around her. Those who knew her best watched the rotation of wonderful holiday decor (often a days-long affair to put up and take down), artful outdoor landscaping changes, and prolific innovations inside her home. Creating flower beds and floral arrangements were her lifelong passions; even in her last few days, she kept her mind sharp with the details of a new landscape project.

Judy was a graduate of Central High School and a retired reservationist with Ozark Airline, forming and maintaining many friendships throughout her life. She enjoyed a good laugh and was a social butterfly with a dry and candid wit, the zing of which her many friends and family can attest to. She was always on time with a perfectly appropriate birthday or anniversary card for those family and friends; the arrival of which and the love included inside will be sorely missed.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff of the Villas of Hollybrook in Washington, Illinois for their patience and loving care for Jude in her last few weeks.

A Friday evening visitation will be on November 8, 5:00-7:00pm at Davidson Woolsey, with a service following. Private burial at a later date. The Rev. Charles Buegel will officiate.