Judith Ann Coenen

Judith Ann Coenen 71, of Rockford, IL passed away peacefully at her home on November 25, 2022.

Judith was born November 22, 1951 to Joe & Rosie Thompson of Darlington, Wis.

Judith earned a bachelor’s degree from U.W. Platteville and then went on to receive her master’s degree in Social Work from U.W. Madison in 1980. She married Richard Coenen on June 21, 1980 having met in Platteville and began their married lives in Appleton WI. Judith’s 8 year-old son, Tad Keyes, from a previous marriage, became part of this new family.

Judith began her working career as a social worker until Sean was born in 1983. The family moved to Rockford in 1987 to allow Rick to pursue his engineering career at Sundstrand (Collins Aerospace).

After Andrew was born in 1988, Judith worked for Swedish American Hospital in medical records while pursuing a nursing degree from Northern Illinois University which she achieved in 1998.

Judith went on to work in various nursing positions at the hospital and in home health care. She then worked several years as a school nurse at Holy Family School, Rockford Public Schools and the Aurora School District.

Judith returned to school once again in 2010 to pursue a nurse practitioner degree and was in her final semester when she was forced to step away due to health issues.

Judith was a very adventurous person who loved the arts and to experience what the world had to offer. She traveled to Europe with Rick on their honeymoon visiting Paris, Lucerne, Venice, Florence, Rome and London. She and her sister Mary visited Norway & Denmark with Tad in 1987 and in 2001, the family traveled to Ireland to experience her Irish heritage.

When Sean & Andrew were young, the family would take cross-country trips with a pop-up camper visiting state and national parks. She later had the opportunity to travel to Italy and New Zealand with Andrew and the boys’ choir to which he belonged. Other memorable trips included Iceland and St. Martin, which she enjoyed very much. The past several years also included trips in January & February to southern California and Arizona. She loved to get away from the cold during the winter.

Judith was so very proud of her sons for all that they have achieved and of the husbands and fathers that they have become. She very much loved her grandchildren and she so much wanted to meet the newest grandson Rory, but never got the chance.

More recently, her rheumatoid arthritis progressed, resulting in considerable pain and limited mobility, but on good days she would still get out with the aid of her wheel chair (and her husband). As she anticipated an upcoming surgery to provide relief, her body surrendered to the pain, but to the end, her spirit and soul fought bravely and was determined to not be defeated.

Judith is preceded in death by her father and mother, Joe & Rosie, and by her brother Joe.

Survivors include; her husband Rick; her 3 sons and daughters-in-law Tad (Lynn), Sean (Kirsten) and Andrew (Morgan); her grandchildren from Tad and Lynn, Sicily (17) and Stella (15), grandchildren from Sean and Kirsten, Henry (6) and Charlie (4), and grandchild from Andrew and Morgan, Rory (3 months); her siblings Connie, Karen (Tom), Mary (Jim) and Jerry (Ann), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rest in peace dear Judith and be free of your pain, you will be missed greatly.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford, IL 61114. A 1 hour visitation will precede the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61102. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com