Judith Chapman

Judith Ann “Judi” Chapman, age 72, of Burlington went to be with her lord in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 10, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Judi was born on Sunday, May 7, 1944 in Geneva, IL the beautiful daughter of Robert William and Pearl Viola (Burger) Blevins, Sr .Judi was born and raised in Geneva. Growing up, Judi caught the travel bug early on from her parents. Her family loved camping in their pop-up trailer and visited nearly all 50 states. As a child, Judi was very involved in the Geneva community. She was an active member of her church and a member of the Girl Scouts. Judi later continued the tradition and became a Girl Scout leader when her daughter joined. Judi danced tap, ballet, and took weekly square-dancing lessons. Above all, Judi was very proud of her accomplishments as accordion player and competed in many competitions. Judi was a proud Viking and attended Geneva schools. Throughout high school, Judi took French and Latin classes and loved learning about other cultures. Judi spent time on the assembly line working at Campana Factory in Batavia over her summer breaks. Judi most enjoyed her time as an usher at the Aracada Theater in St. Charles where she saw many famous off-Broadway performances. Judi graduated from Geneva High School in the class of 1962. After completion of high school Judi attended Northern Illinois University in De Kalb for 2 years. Judi met the love of her life George Chapman (of Burlington) at the 1963 Kane County Fair. Judi and George married on August 22 1964 at the United Methodist Church of Geneva. Together, they raised their children in the St. Charles area and spent some years in Sycamore. George and Judi had an adventurous spirit and lived in over a dozen homes in their nearly 52 year marriage. They made several cross-country moves to Arizona and Florida and loved making new friends. Eventually, Judi and George felt the call to come back to their Midwestern roots and settled in Burlington. Judi took outstanding care of her family and was a stay at home mom for several years. During this time, she helped to found a local organization “Friends of Exceptional Children” which helped families find help for special needs children. As a young wife and mother, Judi became a vocal advocate for special needs children and spent time lobbying for their rights in Springfield. Later on in life, returned to the workforce working in the insurance and construction industry. Judi was very proud of her work as a Worker’s Compensation, Personal Injury and Family Law administrative assistant in several local law firms and in Florida. She earned her Paralegal Certification at Aurora University in 1992. For many years she was employed by the Law Firm of Presbrey and Amoni in Aurora as a legal assistant and jury consultant.
Judi had an adventurous spirit. Together, George and Judi have enjoyed many years of travel in their own camper. She loved traveling across country, but her favorite place to visit was always Cape Cod. She was very proud of her Geneva roots and loved her time as a committee member organizing her 50th class reunion. Upon her death, Judi was one of the longest living members of the United Methodist Church of Geneva. She was very involved in her church community, and served as the chairman of semi-annual bake sale. Until her death, Judi also served as a Kane County election judge and was a strong advocate for voting rights. Judi loved her family and spent time researching her family history. She loved her extended family and her many cherished nieces and nephews. Judi adored her grandchildren and loved sharing in their life. She spent many years on the bleachers watching her grandchildren play sports and was an active volunteer with the Sycamore Sports Boosters. Judi had a creative soul and loved making crafts. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, decorating, and refurbishing furniture. She loved music and you might be surprised to know that she joined a Tap Dance Performance Group while living in Florida. One of her biggest joys was her flower garden at home, especially her zinnias and lilacs. She would always love watching the butterflies and robins that surrounded her butterflies in her garden. Judi had an open heart and approached life with elegance and grace. She taught her family the importance of service and to never leave the house without your earrings. Judi was beautiful inside and out and her children strive to live up to her legacy. She leaves behind her husband; George, two daughters; Jil (James) Cottone, Sr, and Robin (Ken) Harber, and four grandchildren, Alexandra Chapman, Sammuel Cottone, Benjamin Cottone and John Harber. Judi now joins her parents, son; Christopher Chapman, and siblings, Robert Blevins, Jr., Marilyn Blevins, JeanVan Gyseghem, and Nora Kay Dennis.A gathering of family and friends will be Friday, July 22, 216 from 10:00-11:30 a.m at the United Methodist Church of Geneva. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the church with Pastor Rich Darr officiating. An inurnment will take place at Burlington Cemetery at a later date.In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Judi’s name: Checks may be made to the “Judith Chapman Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, on the web at www.conleycare.com or our Facebook page.

A gathering of family and friends will be Friday, July 22, 216 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Geneva. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the church with Pastor Rich Darr officiating.

A gathering of family and friends will be Friday, July 22, 216 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Geneva. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m on Friday at the church with Pastor Rich Darr officiating.

An inurnment will take place at Burlington Cemetery at a later date.