Judith “Judy” Gondek, 78, of Fox Lake, formerly of Ringwood, passed away surrounded by her loved ones Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at home. She was born April 18, 1948, in Elmhurst, to the late Neil and Rose (nee Trost) Kelso.

Judy grew up in Des Plaines, spent much time at her parents’ Bald Knob Resort in McHenry, graduated from Maine West High School, and earned her degree in nursing from Harper College. She went on to have a 50-year career in nursing. Judy worked in the emergency rooms at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, St. Therese Hospital, Waukegan (and its satellite in Lake Villa), and retired from Cancer Treatment Centers of America/City of Hope, Zion where she had been head nurse of pain management. Judy was known by colleagues and patients as being a helpful, caring, and excellent nurse.

Judy enjoyed traveling—especially to Cancun and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and New Orleans, LA—and gambling.

Family meant everything to Judy. She is survived by husband Benedict “Ben”, with whom she shared 46 wonderful years of marriage together, tying the knot after several years of dating. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. She was also the loving mom and mother-in-law to, Tracey (Ben) Bebout and Kathryn “Katie” (James “Jim”) Wienke; and a proud grandma of five grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Tracey’s and Ben’s three children, and Katie’s and Jim’s two children (Hank and Riley). She treasured every moment spent with them and loved them more than words can express.

Her loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved her. Her family misses her more than words can say, and the overwhelming outpouring of love and support has been a reminder of just how many lives she touched. Judy made a lasting impact on the people around her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Judy is further survived by brother, Dennis (Nancy) Kelso; like-a-sister, Diane “Di” (the late Dranoel “Skip” Allen) Hausler; sister-in-law, Beverly (the late Dan) Le Comte; nephews and niece, Neil (Jennifer “Jeni”) Kelso, Michael Kelso, Michelle Estad, Brian (Heather) Gondek, and Kevin Gondek; great-nephews, Austin Kelso, Soren Gondek, and Jeffrey Estad; and by many, many loving family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her father- and mother-in-law, John and Dolores (nee Sass) Gondek; and brother-in-law, Adrian Gondek.

Judy’s love and care reached far beyond her own family. She was someone people could always turn to for advice, support, and an honest perspective. She had a special way of making others feel welcome, understood, and cared for.

Judy leaves behind countless memories, lasting friendships, and a legacy of love that will never be forgotten. She is missed beyond words and was taken from us far too soon.

Visitation 4-8 p.m., Monday, June 29, RINGA FUNERAL HOME, 122 S. Milwaukee Ave. (Route 83), Lake Villa. All are invited to go directly to Our Lady of the Lakes-St. Peter Church, 557 Lake St., Antioch for the 10 a.m. funeral Mass, Tuesday, June 30. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass. Private interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Judy’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, appreciated.