Judith A. Danca

Judith Ann (Dornfeld) Danca passed away Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center.

Judy was born June 4, 1940 in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of Elmer and Gertrude (Heyde) Dornfeld. She graduated from Madison West High School in 1958 and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1962 where she began her lifetime involvement with Alpha Phi Sorority. Judy met Vincent Danca at a party when her roommate encouraged her to attend saying, “You might meet your Prince Charming”. They married on August 25, 1962 and shared 52 years together until Vince passed away in 2014. After moving to Rockford in 1963, when Vince was hired by the Rockford Board of Education as a teacher, Judy became very active in her new community. She enjoyed the involvement and leadership of several organizations: Rockford Junior League, St. James Head Start, Holy Family Catholic Church, Sara Ingrassia-Jackie Confer Dictionary Fund, U W Alumni Club and Alpha Phi Alumna. In 1989 the University of Wisconsin Alumni awarded her the “Spark Plug” Award for her involvement and leadership to the University. Judy taught elementary school in the Rockford Public School District for nearly twenty years, retiring in 1998. Vince and Judy traveled extensively for over a decade. Although, Judy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005, she continued enjoying her family and friends, painting, reading, knitting, genealogy and classes at CLR.

Judy is survived by her children: daughter, Mary Ellen (Mike) Strandquist of Cumming, GA, son James Danca of Rockford, and daughter Nancy Danca-Alt (John Cacciapaglia), of Fairhope, AL. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Nolan, Graham and Emery Alt, and Natalie, Christian and Adam Strandquist along with several nieces and nephews. Judy was predeceased by her husband, and also her parents, brother and sister. The family thanks Fairhaven’s 2nd floor Health Center for their loving care the last three years, especially Debbie, Kim and Jazmin. We also deeply appreciate the care provided by Northern Illinois Hospice especially Robin, Pamela, Keldon, and Sharon and her dog, Maddie.

A Celebration of Judy's Life will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. located at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Private burial will conclude in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the family with donations designated to American Heart Association or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com