Judith Ann Kunzie (Gustafson), 82

Judith Ann Kunzie (Gustafson), of Woodstock, passed away on March 27 at the age of 82, just four months after the passing of her husband, John.

Born Nov. 19, 1940, in Chicago, Judie was the daughter of Edwin and Iola (Lindberg) Gustafson. She grew up in Northbrook, Ill., with her parents and her brother, Don. 

While a single mother raising two sons and a daughter, she met John on a blind date. He fell in love immediately, and even though he accidentally burned a hole in her stocking with his cigarette ash, she gave him a second chance. John had two daughters from a previous marriage. John and Judie blended their families on June 24, 1972. In 1974 and 1989 they added two more daughters, and last year, they celebrated 50 years of an amazing marriage.

Several years after marrying, they left Arlington Heights for their beloved hometown of Woodstock to raise their family. Judie volunteered at Woodstock Memorial Hospital as a gift store manager and buyer, as well as at the Woodstock Food Pantry. She also served Grace Lutheran Church as a church council member and as a Stephen Minister. Judie co-founded an upscale resale store on the Woodstock Square, Interiors Anew. She dedicated more than 20 years to the business before retiring so she could enjoy more time with her family. She was an avid reader and belonged to several book clubs. Judie may be best known for being the oldest woman to have a baby at Woodstock Memorial Hospital at the age of 48.

Judie never met a stranger, and she immediately befriended anyone she met. Her greatest love was being around people, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Some of the greatest wisdom she left behind for her family includes:

• Any mess can be hidden with some creatively placed lace or pretty fabric.

• Anything can be made new again with vision, elbow grease, and a glue gun.

• The color blue is appropriate for any occasion or clothing item.

• Any moment can be celebrated, and you can never invite too many people to a party.

• If you live your life full of love and kindness toward others, you will always be happy and you will never be alone.

Judie adored her family above all else. Her spirit will be carried on by her seven children, Jane, Julie (Kevin), Steve (Kim), Scott (Coleen), Tammy (Scott), Amy (Jeremy), and Laura (Adam); her 10 grandchildren, Luke (fiancée Laura), Logan (Lisa), Jennifer (Dave), Morgan (fiancé TJ), Sarah (fiancé Adam), Lillian, Ryan, Colin, Kathryn, and Julianne; and four great-grandchildren, Landry, Lincoln, Adalynn, and Grace.

Judie was preceded in death by her husband John; her parents; and her brother, Don Gustafson.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 10^, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock, 60098. A service celebrating Judie’s life will be held Tuesday April 11, at 11 a,m,, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. 

Judie was very passionate about helping others in need. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate a donation to the Woodstock Food Pantry or to Grace Lutheran Church. 

For online condolences, visit davenportfamily.com or call 815-459-3411.