Judith McCarrell, age 91, a beloved resident of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. She was born on April 22, 1933, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, to Gerald and Alberta Gedde.

Judy spent her early years in Kankakee, where her family lived in an apartment above her father's gas station. In second grade, they relocated to the Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago. During high school, Judy attended Wheaton Academy, where she met her future husband, David McCarrell. They married on August 20, 1955, at Cicero Bible Church, with the ceremony officiated by David's father, Dr. William McCarrell.

Judy was a proud graduate of North Park Academy and Wheaton College. While David taught at North Park Academy, Judy taught middle school at Lincoln School in Cicero. She later dedicated herself to raising their children in Morton Grove before returning to teaching at Messiah Lutheran Preschool in Park Ridge.

Her Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life, marked by her commitment to Christ on April 18, 1941, at a Children's Crusade at the Chicago Gospel Tabernacle. Judy lived out her faith through her roles as a devoted mother, supportive wife of a coach, and inspiring educator.

Judy had a passion for decorating, gardening, and reading. She was a devoted dog lover and rarely missed her grandchildren's sporting events. After Dave's passing, she found solace and companionship at Windsor Park, where she formed many cherished friendships.

Judy is survived by her children, Caryn (Tom) Thornton of Carol Stream, David (Joann) McCarrell of Carol Stream, Cathryn (David) Kucera of Hutchinson, MN, and Christine (Marc) Horner of Wheaton; her 13 grandchildren, Megan (Aaron) Lynch, Trent (Kayla) Kucera, Kaylee Kucera, Katelyn Thornton, Hannah McCarrell, Mason Kucera, Kelly (Michael) McCraith, Jacob McCarrell, Haley Horner, Garrett Horner, Alexa Kucera, Grant Horner, and Addison Horner; and one great-granddaughter, Madelyn Lynch.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Lenore Stanley, and her brother, Gerald Gedde.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Clarendon Hill Cemetery in Darien, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Pacific Garden Mission, 1458 South Canal St., Chicago, Illinois 60607.

Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027 .