Judith L. Schmitt

Judy was born in Springfield, Illinois in 1942, the seventh of twelve children to Elmer and Mildred Bea. Judy’s family moved to Rockford when she was very young. Judy graduated from Bishop Muldoon in 1960. Later she moved to California where she met Norbert. After only 6 weeks they married on December 9, 1961 in Vallejo, CA. They enjoyed 60 years together.

She moved often as a Navy wife, and had three children, Laura who lived only hours, then Michael and Jennifer. In 1967 Norbert left the Navy and the family moved to Rockford. Soon after Judy studied to be a nurse. Judy had Phillip, her fourth child, without any delay in her studies. She graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Judy worked in nursing for the next 18 years. After Judy became a realtor, a profession that she excelled at for the next 25 years.

The family moved to Iowa in 1976, Arkansas in 1978, Missouri in 1981, and then Arizona in 1982 before returning to Illinois in 1985. Judy said it wasn’t hard moving because she had her best friend in Norbert. Judy always made friends quickly wherever she went. She loved people and they could tell. Growing up, despite the fact that the family had just moved somewhere recently, everywhere her children went, people knew their mom and told them Judy was the best. Of course, they already knew that.

Judy was dedicated to her husband and children. Judy loved gathering especially with family and the People of Praise Community. Judy looked at everyone and everything in the best possible light and always expected the best outcome. She was a naturally happy person, and loved Jesus dearly.

Judy will be deeply missed by her children, Michael Schmitt, Jennifer (Dean) Brevoort, Phillip Schmitt; grandchildren, James Brevoort, Scarlett Schmitt, Cecilia Schmitt; siblings, Bonnie (John) Olesen, Jennifer (Stu) Ambrose, Jeffrey Bea, Javon (Vita) Bea. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Nobert; her parents; her infant daughter, Laura; siblings, Gene (Anna) Bea, Jerry (Hazel) Bea, Joanne Green, Jimmy Bea, Janice (Denny) Atkinson, Jon Bea, Janelle Hagaman.

Everyone is thankful for the loving care Judy received in her last 8+ months from her son Phillip.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 1, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church S. Beloit, 620 Blackhawk Blvd. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial at Rockton Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeradfh.com.