Judy Ann Middleton Anderson

Judy “Mormor” Ann Middleton Anderson 1953-2021

With an amazing ability to connect with kids, combined with the skill to match a book to a particular person, Judy made the ideal children’s librarian. An avid reader her entire life, she worked on the bookmobile in Waukegan as a teen, and subsequently at the Urbana Free library, the Freeport Public Library, and for the North Suburban Library District: all in the children’s department. She also worked at the Discovery Center, and for the Literacy Council.

She was the first child of Lee and Carolyn Middleton. The first in her family to go to college, she graduated with honors from Knox College, where she met her best friend and husband, Gary. While at Knox, she spent an academic year in Barcelona where she learned to appreciate the different perspectives on life that living abroad brings. She completed her Masters degree at the University of Illinois.

She was beloved of her husband, Dr. Gary Anderson, three daughters: Melissa Sloatman, Laurel Scigouski, and Adrienne Anderson, her two sons-in-law, Larry Sloatman and Joe Scigouski, her siblings Nancy, Tom and Doug Middleton, and their families. To her grandchildren, Norah and Quinn Sloatman, and Levi and Eddie Scigouski, she was their cherished Mormor. As she faced her cancer with bravery and grace, her greatest regret was that she would not be there for the big events in their lives.

She was a children’s advocate, sharp-penciled editor, Cubs fan, and crossword closer for Gary. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching birds at the feeder, quilting, knitting, and travel. Judy’s friends, relatives, and former coworkers showered her with over 140 Valentines as she entered hospice care, a fitting tribute to her legacy of kindness, competence, and support of all she cared for.

In view of the pandemic, an outdoor celebration of her life and spirit will be held at a future time in the beautiful garden of our home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to a charity of your choice, or to Knox College (Knox.edu), where the Judy Middleton Anderson scholarship fund has been established to assist future “first in the family” students to obtain an education similar to that she so cherished. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com