Judith A. Johnson

Judith A. Phillips Johnson, a lifelong resident of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home on May 10, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on August 16, 1939, to Joseph T. and Eileen M. (Splinter) Phillips, Judy remained in the Rockford community throughout her life. A proud 1957 graduate of Bishop Muldoon High School, she married her husband, Thomas O. Johnson, on April 4, 1959, at St. Patrick's Church. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage and a deep commitment to their faith and family until Tom's passing on February 12, 2018.

After years as a dedicated stay-at-home mother, Judy entered the workforce in 1971. She rose to the rank of Sales Manager for Home Interiors & Gifts of Dallas, Texas, overseeing a team of 216 women before retiring in 1986. Her entrepreneurial spirit continued as a founding partner of Easton Associates Ltd. with her daughter Kathy and son-in-law Daren Easton.

She was a long-time member of St. Patrick's and Holy Family Catholic Churches in Rockford, as well as St. Thomas Moore in Sarasota, Florida. She served on the Holy Family Parish Board, the St. Elizabeth's Community Center board, and volunteered at the Parish Center for several years when Father Harte was Pastor. She was that welcoming smile at the front desk of OSF St. Anthony's Medical Center for many years.

In retirement, Judy and Tom traveled the world together, enjoying cruises and trips to Europe, Hawaii and Paris. She cherished her 30 plus years of winters in Sarasota with a special circle of friends, her "lunches with the girls," and the occasional trip to the casino. An avid golfer, she was a regular with the "Lady Iron Heads" and the "Birdies & Bogies" league at Sinnissippi Golf Course.

Judy's greatest pride was her family. She was a devoted mother to her four children, working to ensure they each received a Catholic education. She is survived by her son, Thomas P. (Marcia) Johnson of Indianapolis, IN; and her daughters, Kathy (Daren) Easton and Maureen Johnson, both of Rockford. She also leaves behind her son-in-law, Thomas (Patti) Heiser of Lawrenceville, GA; her step-sister, Patricia Bracke of Rockford; and her step-brother, John (Donalee) Bracke of Spain. Judy was also a beloved aunt to several very special nieces and nephews, and a dear cousin and friend to many. Most recently, Judy found great joy and companionship in the newest member of her family, her beloved puppy, Molly.

A Cherished Grandmother and Great-Grandmother Judy's legacy lives on through her eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren: Benjamin (Megan) Easton and their children, Teryn, Delaney, Henry, and Rylee; Katie (Derek) Huffer and their children, Emerson and Liam; Kasey (Josh Tuggle) Easton, all of Rockford; Patrick (Jasmine) Heiser of Hoschton, GA, and their children, Elowen, Max, and Xavier; Michael (Amanda) Heiser of Maryland and their sons, Sebastian and Noah; Sean (Zoe Teter) Johnson of Brownsburg, IN; Samuel Johnson of Indianapolis, IN; and Victoria Johnson of Rockford.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her beloved daughter, Maryanne (Johnson) Heiser; her parents; her step-father, Henry Bracke; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Service information is pending at this time and will be updated soon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery, Holy Family Catholic Church and St. Jude Children Hospital in Judy's honor.