Judith "Judy" Georgantas

Judith A. “Judy”(Boban) Georgantas, 87yrs. Born August 29, 1938. At rest April 26, 2026

Survived by her only child Sue (Jim) Gulas. Grandchildren Jenny Gulas & Nick Gulas. Brother, George “Geordie” F (Carol) Boban. Sisters-in-law Christine (Richard -dec.) Boban and Connie(Georgantas) A’Hearn. MANY “favorite” nieces, nephews and “outsiders” on both the Georgantas and Boban sides also survive (you all know who you are!)along with many dear friends and neighbors from all of her “neighborhoods” and stages of her life.

Preceded in death by her husband Richard J. Georgantas (2015), parents George & Olga(Malnar) Boban, brother, Richard Boban (2001), in-laws Anthony & Margaret Georgantas. Brothers and Sisters in-law: Bob & Gloria Georgantas, Betty Bick, George & Georgetta Georgantas, Clarence “Teak” & Terry Georgantas, Lorraine & Dave A’Hearn and Don Georgantas. Aunts & Uncles: Sylvia Malnar, Ray & Gloria Malnar, Bernie & Carole Malnar, Marie & Augie Krause, Don & Lela Boban, Melvin & Gretchen Boban, Joe & Dorothy Boban Sr. Also, dear friends Jean Konrad, Joann Placher and Joyce Senffner.

She and her husband loved to entertain and were known for some of the best holiday parties which later turned into summer parties, namely “the cornfest” which became an annual event. They also never missed a sporting event or school function for their grandchildren Jenny & Nick. The locally famous Jubilation was one of the best experiences for Judy & Dick as they forged lifelong friendships during their many volunteer years for the event. The proudest moment for them as a couple came as they were co-chairs of the 1986 event with Larry & Cheryle Gray. They were never as happy as when they were listening to their favorite “lounge entertainment” Kentucky Wondergrass. Judy’s other passions included a lifelong love for Frank Sinatra and his music and her grand-dog Daisy.

They also were forever grateful to Ed & Sandy Prodehl for introducing them to the most beautiful beach in the world, Siesta Key in 1978. The vacations became annual with her family and dear friends Ken & Kim Hostert. To this day there are many people who make Siesta Key their annual trip because of Judy’s love and introduction to that destination.

She also kept in close contact and still met regularly with her “club girls” from grade school Donna Bloch, Jean Verbiscer, , Carol Bebar, Carol Witty, Adele Vaira , Joyce Senffner(dec.)Gerry Podobniki(dec.) for 70+yrs.

Her two careers included travel for most of her adult life (Joliet Travel & Karner Travel) and then in 1985 she added real estate, working for Karges. Selling real estate only made sense after the many moves (all in Joliet) through their marriage: 706 Wheeler Ave., 119 Seeser St., 18 S. May St., 919 Black Rd, 1501 Caton Ave., 9 Coventry Chase, 1203Ashford Ln, 630Terry Dr, 2966 Covered Bridge Way, Alden Courts Room #106E & #117E (yep, she even moved rooms at the nursing home!)

Judy was known for being a 4x over cancer survivor – breast, lung, colon and lymphoma spanning 50yrs beginning in 1978 with her first diagnosis. She was referred to as the “Energizer Bunny” because she just kept going and going and never slowed down even while battling cancer most of her life.

She traveled the world extensively as the “original travel bag” (a title she gave herself) through her career as a travel agent. In later years she forged a relationship with the College of St. Francis (now USF) continuing education of their nursing program. Through this partnership, she escorted groups all over the world from 1981-1998, including Greece multiple times, Egypt, Turkey, Poland, Russia, Croatia, England, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, China, Scandanavia, Spain, Norway, Fatima, Sweden, Denmark and Prague.

She was also a long time lector at St. Mary Nativity and on the parish picnic committee.

Thanks to care-giver Tammy Marino, Diane Zuelke-NP, Jen Schuh – RN, Joyce, Buzz & Mary, Gerry, Carolyn, and great care from everyone at Alden Courts in the East Wing especially Takela and Sheila.

Very special thanks to her sister-in-law Chris Boban who was there every step of the way and her brother Geordie who visited her almost every single day she was at Alden.

If you would like to make a donation in her name, memorials to Lightways Hospice or St. Mary Nativity Church Maintenance Fund would be appreciated.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The family invites relatives and friends back to the funeral home Friday, May 1, 2026 for visitation from 9:30 a.m. until closing prayers to be held at 10:00 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:30 a.m. Per Judy’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded following mass and interment will be held privately.