Judith A. Maggio

Judith Ann Maggio (Stephenson), 86, of Tuscola passed away at 3:20 a.m. Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Carriage Crossing in Arcola, Illinois. 

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, with a Celebration of Life Service immediately following the visitation. Burial will be in Cartwright Cemetery, Tuscola. 

Judith was born on February 25, 1940 and was raised on a farm in rural Garrett, Illinois, where she developed a lifelong love of gardening and flowers. From an early age, she enjoyed working outdoors and caring for plants, which became a passion that remained with her throughout her life. 

Judy became a mother in 1959 with the birth of her first daughter, Shelley. Shelley married Michael Fortney, and together they have two children, Lindsey (Zac) Keeter and Phillip (Maggie) Fortney. In 1965, Judy married Richard Maggio and the following year, they welcomed their daughter, Christina. Christina married Bradley Hunt, and together they have two daughters, Lauren Hunt and Ashley (Derek) Quick.

Judy was also blessed to become a great-grandmother in 2014 with the birth of Ruby Keeter. She later welcomed two great-grandsons, Waylon Fortney and Raleigh Williams. Judy and Richard built a loving home together and shared 53 years of marriage before Richard’s passing in 2018.

Throughout her life, Judy held a variety of roles, including working in the government division at Magnavox, serving as a union steward for the Electrical Engineering Union, working as a tour director for the University of Illinois Extension Unit, and later being appointed to the Douglas County Board. Though she took pride in each of these accomplishments, the role she cherished most was being a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. She devoted herself to raising her daughters, caring for her family, and creating a home filled with warmth, comfort, and tradition. Judy was often a room mother in her children’s classrooms and found great joy in making holidays, birthdays, and everyday moments special for those she loved.

Judy was known for her creativity and hospitality. Her love of gardening eventually led her to a passion in silk flower arranging. She designed arrangements for countless weddings, events, and special occasions, including the weddings of both of her daughters. She was also an excellent cook who passed her love of cooking and hosting down to her daughters. Family holidays, birthday parties, and celebrations were made special through her thoughtful decorating, homemade meals, and attention to detail. 

She especially loved Christmas and looked forward to decorating every year. Judy and Richard once earned the title of “Best Light Display” in their community for their elaborate Christmas decorations. 

Judy also had a fiercely competitive side, especially when it came to her favorite game: Marbles. Family games became treasured traditions, and she continued defeating family members well into her 80s.

She will be remembered for her creativity, determination, hospitality, and the love she poured into her family and home.

Judy was preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, Beulah and Oscar Stephenson, her sister, Mary Aileen (Jim) Jividen, her brother, Melvin (Phyllis) Stephenson, her niece, Cathy (Louie) Bruenning, her in-laws, Helen and Stephen Maggio, and sister-in-law, Nancy Maggio. 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Judith A. Maggio, please visit the funeral home’s flower store. 

Memorials are suggested to the Douglas County Animal Shelter, PO Box 192, Tuscola, IL 61953

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com