Judith "Judy" M. Dempsey

Judith Dempsey passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 9, 2025.

She was born on February 25, 1941, to Joseph and Mary Cacci. She was the older sister to John and Jean.

Judy loved children and spent her career as a teacher, mostly teaching third grade. Judy suffered from FOMO (fear of missing out) and never wanted to miss a party. At times, she was the party. She was known for her Tina Turner impersonation at school fund raisers, she enjoyed performing in the Senior Follies and singing in the church choir.

Her many friends brought her great joy, including her high school friends, her teaching friends, her cousins, and her “Y” friends. Her closest friend, confidant, and mentor was her baby sister, Jean, with whom she shared a special bond.

Judy exercised at the YMCA in the mornings, during her career and beyond, which was one reason she was eligible for a kidney transplant in 2012. She remained grateful for this life extending transplant.

Judy’s greatest joy was her 62-year marriage to the love of her life Patrick Dempsey. Together, they traveled, golfed, and raised four children. Family was always Judy’s priority and she loved being “Nana” to her five grandchildren and great granddaughter.

Judy is survived by her husband Pat, her children Mary (Adam Becvar), Ann (John Young), David (Mary Engebretson), and John (Cristy Giacone). Her grandchildren, Devin (Schae), Abbie, Sammy, Max and Andrea and her great granddaughter, Rowyn; her brother-in-law, Dennis Harezlak, her niece and nephews Annie, Tom and Matt. She is predeceased by her parents, her brother, John Cacci and sister, Jean Harezlak.

The family would like to express appreciation to Liudmyla (Luda) Pysarenko for the loving care she provided to Judy over the past 8 months.

A visitation is scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 PM. There will be a Memorial Mass on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park, preceded by a visitation from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the National Kidney Foundation in Judy’s honor: https://kidneytribute.rallybound.org/judydempsey.