Judith Harriet Short

Judith Harriet Short, known to many as Judy or affectionately as Jude, was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was born January 3, 1940, in Lewistown, MT, and passed away on January 15, 2025, at West Marion Hospital in Ocala, FL, at the age of 85. Judy and her husband Jon wed on January 13, 1968, at the Lutheran Church in Monmouth, Illinois, and just marked their 57th wedding anniversary. Their years together included homes in Plainfield, IL, Cincinnati, OH, Solon, OH, Woodstock, and Crystal Lake, IL, before retiring and enjoying their lives during the past 10 years in Ocala, FL. Judy earned a Master’s Degree in Audiology from DePaul University in Chicago on January 1, 1969. She worked part-time as an audiologist while being an amazing mom and homemaker to their children Kristen, Jennifer, and Kevin, who loved their mom so much. She showered them with unconditional love, compassion, and support throughout their lives, raising them with church on Sundays and family dinners together every evening, creating a loving home environment. She was a devoted grandma to 11-year-old Montana, always thinking of what her granddaughter might be interested in, giving thoughtful gifts and books, which Montana will forever treasure in her grandma’s memory. Throughout their lives, Judy and Jon loved to travel, especially with best friends Joe and Karen Pickelsimer, taking several trips to Hawaii - some favorites were Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. As young families, they took many fun family vacations together including theirs and the Pickelsimer children, Brian and Eric: a dude ranch in Michigan, cabins at Leech Lake in Walker, MN, canoeing the Little Miami River, and more. All five kids had red hair and they were often confused as one big family. Jon and Judy also traveled to Toronto, Lewistown, MT, Puerto Vallarta, Germany, and Sweden, to Stockholm and Lulea, to visit Judy's extended family, the Sundqvists, Waldenfeldts, and Granbergs. Judy loved tennis, staying active in the sport for over 40 years and singing and music played a big part in her life, starting with the clarinet in the Monmouth High School Marching Band and singing in church choirs at various times in her life. James Taylor was her favorite musician, but she appreciated a wide range of genres. Her favorite Irish band is Bohola, based in Chicago. Some of Judy’s favorite live concerts included Irishfest at Summerfest Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Chief O'Neils in Chicago. Jon and Judy were avid bridge players and she was playing, even winning, bridge games right up to the last few months of her life. Anyone who ever met her knows she had a great sense of humor. How she loved a good joke, and how her laugh was absolutely contagious! Judy Short was the name on many volunteer lists to assist with house-bound seniors as well as special-needs kids and adults, including through the Pioneer Center in Illinois. In sum, Judy had the gift of unconditional love. She was a kind and gentle soul. She displayed a selflessness that put her friends’ and family’s needs over her own. To the end, she was dedicated to ensuring her beloved Kevin would be well cared for throughout his own life. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Ellen Sundquist, and brother, John (Jack) Sundquist. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Jon Short; three children Kristen Short of Oak Park, IL, Jennifer Short Ellis (Jon) of Cartersville, GA; Kevin Short of Palatine, IL; two sisters, Nancy Sundquist Nishikubo (Paul) of Los Angeles, CA, and Sally Sundquist of Springfield, IL, granddaughter Montana Grace Ellis of Cartersville, GA as well as niece Karyn Hadley, Springfield, IL, nephews Jack Pierson of Ellisville, MO and Jason Pierson of Shingle Springs, CA A private family memorial gathering will be held for Judy in April in Cartersville, GA. In honor of her beautiful spirit and life, a donation may be made to Clearbrook.org, which empowers adults and children with intellectual disabilities to live their fullest lives possible or to the Bright Focus Foundation in support of finding a cure for Alzheimer's at donate.brightfocus.org

Judith Harriet Short

January 3, 1940 - January 15, 2025