Julianna 'Judy' E. Cotugno

Julianna “Judy” Eva Cotugno passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 1st, 2023, in Belvidere, Illinois. Born to Daniel and Magdalene (Frank) Reisenauer on January 6th of 1941 in New England, North Dakota. Judy graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in New England, where she participated in plays and theatre projects throughout her years there. Judy married Jim Cotugno on October 23rd of 1960 in Dickinson, North Dakota and they relocated to Illinois later that year. Judy went on to become an administrative assistant for the Regional Learning Center at the Ark in Belvidere where she proudly served for twenty years. She was a part of the American Field Service (AFS - a foreign exchange student program), the Master Gardener’s program, and the Garden Club of Illinois. Judy took great pride in her gardening and tended to acres of land with beautiful plants, flowers, and vegetables. She made lifelong connections in AFS and was a host to many exchange students, who will remember her fondly. Through her tenure at the Ark, Judy also was like a second mom to many.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of almost 63 years, Jim; children James (Lauren) Cotugno Jr., Jeff (Pam) Cotugno, Jill (Jose) Renteria, Jon Cotugno, and Janet (Chad) Wagner; grandchildren Michael, Brian, Jessica, Owen, Daniel, Machaela, Jeremi, Dilen, Inara; great-granddaughter Lucy; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held October 21st, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois, 61108. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local women’s shelter in honor of Judy. To send online condolences and share memories, visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.