Judy Ann McKinney

Judy Ann McKinney (formerly Martinez), age 71, of Kenosha, previously of Waukegan, passed away on Wednesday, January 6th at Froederdt Pleasant Prairie Hospital, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17 from 9:00 AM until time of funeral service at 12:30 PM at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N Cemetery Rd, Gurnee, IL. Interment to follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 1920 Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL.

Judy was born on October 15, 1954, in Moline, IL to Donald and Mary McKinney. She grew up in Illinois with her mother and her stepfather, Wilfred Troxel. She attended Waukegan High School and later pursued higher education in 1995 by becoming a Registered Nurse in Oncology. She worked at both The Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Mayo Clinic, finally retiring in Arizona.

In 1971, she married the love of her life, Alvaro Martinez. Together, the two settled in Waukegan to raise their four children: Deann, Alvaro Jr., Andrea, and Kristie. Judy was a wonderful homemaker and the neighborhood mom. Influenced by her mother-in-law Coca she learned cultural recipes such as homemade flour tortillas, tamales and her famous beans, later sharing the traditions with her own children.

She made sure that the children had everything they needed and was a constant presence within all the activities they participated in. From being the lunch lady at their elementary school, being a PTO mom, a helping hand at Girl Scouts or driving them to Karate classes and Orchestra, “Mom’s Taxi” was always on the go.

For leisure she enjoyed bowling, joining a few leagues and earning many trophies and awards. She enjoyed painting, ceramics, and stained-glass art. She could do anything she put her mind to, and that was something she instilled in her family.

Judy’s life was enriched with experiences in Arkansas, Arizona, and her travels to Hawaii, Mexico, Bahamas and more. She had a deep love for all bodies of water, from the Great Lakes to the Ocean front, to hidden waterfalls, and even the trickling of local streams. She also enjoyed watching squirrels, butterflies and birds through her window.

More than anything, Judy adored her family. She ensured her kids were well-rounded and ready for any challenge the world might bring. She was a strong woman who was sharp, spunky, opinionated and who loved unconditionally.

Judy is survived by her children; Deann Martinez, Alvaro Jr. (Rebecca) Martinez, Andrea Martinez, and Kristie Martinez; grandchildren, Anthony Martinez, Nikki O’Neal, Inglesh Brown, Ania Brown, Butch Brown, Addison Martinez, Lailah Martinez, James Martinez, Gabriel Martinez, Donavan Martinez, and Lance Martinez; great-grandchildren Teriana, Joshua, Messiah, Lilly Ske, Jenavie, Alani, Matteo, Layne, Lucas James, Ai’Zarion, De’Adrion, Jourdynn, De’Karia, Lavendar, Zeya, and Avery.

She was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, her ex-husband Alvaro Martinez, grandchildren Jimmie Jr. and Stephanie Brown and brothers Ray and Mike McKinney.