Judy Barons

Beloved wife, sister, aunt and friend, Judy Jane Barons (née Janecke), 75, died on February 15, 2022 at the Pine Ridge Nursing Center in Michigan.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, March 5th, 2022 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman. Friends may meet with the family from 1-2 PM on Saturday at the funeral home, prior to the service. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Women’s Tennis Association, the World Wildlife Federation and the ASPCA. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Judy was born in Rock Island, Illinois and attended Rock Island High School. After graduating, she attended Illinois State University, earning a degree in Education. While there, she met Karl Barons and they married in 1974. Judy began her teaching career in the English Department at Schaumburg High School in Illinois. While teaching, she earned her Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois University. Retiring after 34 years of teaching, Judy and Karl divided their time between their homes in Sawyer, Michigan and Sun City, South Carolina.

Judy played competitive tennis throughout her life as soon as she could pick up a racquet, playing on championship teams in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Hilton Head. She loved being outdoors, walking the Michigan dunes, hiking in the woods and traveling. Friends and family were very important to Judy and she valued returning to the Quad Cities for holidays, graduations, and board games.

Judy had a beautiful singing voice and used her gift in church choirs, family caroling at Christmas, and several vocal groups, including the Sweet Adelines. She loved many types of music and enjoyed visiting blues clubs with her brother, Jerry and his wife, Susan. Judy also volunteered at the Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks, Michigan.

Survivors include her husband Karl, brother Jerry (Susan) Janecke, nieces Cindy (James Hufft) Janecke and Lisa (Phil) Dumont and great-nephews Ben and Matthew and great-niece Anna Dumont.

Judy is preceded in death by parents, Duval and Bernice Janecke, and brothers, Chris and Ron Janecke.