Judith "Judy" A. Magnuson

Judith A. Magnuson “Judy” nee Johnson, wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandma, nana, and friend, of Rockford, IL, left her earthly home to go to her heavenly home on the wings of a homesick angel on Monday, March 26, 2018.

Judy was born on April 17, 1945, daughter of Victor “Jack” and Dana Johnson in Dante, Virginia. She moved to Rockford from St. Paul, VA in the early 1950’s and attended Rockford schools including Rock Valley College and Rockford University. Judy married Robert K. Magnuson on July 22, 1961. She managed several businesses in the Rockford area before becoming a certified public housing manager. For the last 15 years of her career, she managed public housing in Rockford and three public housings in the St. Louis, MO area. She opened two new elderly housing buildings and brought one from troubled housing to superior rating under the guidance of HUD Housing in the St. Louis area. For several years, Judy volunteered with the American Red Cross in the civil defense of Winnebago County under the supervision of Jay Hart. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, reading, crafts, crocheting, embroidery, and jigsaw puzzles until the decline of her eyesight.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert of 56 years; mother, Dana Johnson; sons, David Magnuson of Jacksonville, FL, Ronald Magnuson of St. Louis, MO, Robert (Christina) Magnuson of St. Louis, MO; daughter, Rena Magnuson of St. Louis MO; a “son” Brian Taber of San Diego, CA that called Judy his mother; five granddaughters, Brittany Magnuson, Olivia Meqbil, Holly Freeman, Alexis, and Kailey Magnuson all of St. Louis, MO; “granddaughter”, Haeli Lerch of Danielson, CT that called her nana; great-granddaughter Lana Meqbil; great-grandson, Layth Meqbil of St. Louis, MO; two brothers, Kenneth Johnson of Rockford and James (Bonnie) Johnson of Largo, FL; uncle, Joe Mullendore; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Predeceased by her father, Victor in 1981; brothers, Roger Johnson in 1994, and Ronald “Chuck” Johnson in 1967.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. in Woodside General Baptist Church 3022 18th Street, Rockford, IL 61109 with Pastor Gary Peterson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be considered to the Magnuson Family.

Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com