Judith Kay Biersach, 81, affectionately known as Judy, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in Riverhead, N.Y.
She was born on July 15, 1942, in Coles County, to her adoring parents, Theron Goble and Mable Bunting Goble.
Judy was a kind, thoughtful and intelligent woman who touched the lives of many. She was known for her patience, empathy and artistic creativity. Judy was a wonderful mother and devoted herself to her family and her nursing career.
After completing her degree as a registered nurse at the Evangelical School of Nursing in Oaklawn, Judy pursued her passion for nursing. Judy served in various nursing positions, including as a surgical nurse and in the emergency department in hospitals in the greater Chicago area. However, her most passionate role was working with medically complex and developmentally disabled children at Marklund Philip Skilled Nursing Center in Bloomingdale. Not only was she a dedicated nurse to these children, but she also became their advocate. Judy’s career at Marklund moved from nursing to administration. As an administrator, Judy played a crucial role in having legislation passed in Illinois that required additional training and certification for nurse aids who were an integral part of the care provided to these medically complex children. She worked tirelessly to achieve the passage of the legislation and worked with various teams to develop the necessary certification training curriculum. During the mid-1980s, Judy’s commitment to improving health care extended further as she became certified in total quality management (TQM). Toward the end of her career, through her training of others and involvement in multiple health-care improvement initiatives, she enhanced health-care outcomes at both Marklund and Central DuPage Medical Center.
Outside of her career, Judy had a passion for sewing, crochet, embroidery and baking. She loved doing craft projects with her children and instilled in them a love for art and creativity. She also dedicated seven years of her life to caring for her ailing mother, showing her unwavering love and devotion.
Judy is survived by her loving husband, John Paul Biersach; children, Linda Matkowski, Laurie Husak and David Biersach; and cherished grandchildren, Catherine Rafanello, Emma Rafanello, Diana Rafanello, Amanda Husak, Stephen Husak, Brett Biersach, Hope Biersach and Robert Biersach.
In memory of Judy’s remarkable life and her dedication to improving health care, contributions can be made in her name to the Marklund Foundation online at marklund.org/.
Judy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of compassion and advocacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.
Services and burial were private; held on January 19, 2024