Judy Lynn Slocum

Judy Lynn Slocum, 80, of Durand, Illinois, passed away on May 16, 2026, in Rockford. Judy was born in Rockford on March 22, 1946, to Harold Seiler and Hazel Seiler (remarried as Michelsen). Judy graduated from Guilford High School and went on to receive her certificate in accounting. She accounted for payroll with B. Sanfield for several years. Judy’s meticulous record-keeping also flowed into her love for genealogical research. She connected not only with her own family members and heritage but helped connect strangers’ families. Judy provided closure and healing to those who had always wondered who and what exactly they came from. Judy and her daughter spent many weekends at cemeteries collecting data, and refinishing graves. Judy felt a special obligation to bridge the gap between the living and the deceased, and upheld that obligation with absolute excellence.

Judy’s maternal side of her brought her the title of “everyone’s mom”, as Sunday breakfast was a tradition with plenty of biscuits and gravy to go around – seriously, everyone was invited! She also lovingly nourished her flowers, plants, and vegetable gardens. Her tomatoes were flavorful and plentiful.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Jennifer “Jenny” Karp; special son-in-law, Chris Karp; special daughter, Mickie Williams; special cousin, Julie Englund; brother-in-law, Robert McHoes; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Judy was preceded in death by many, and the family encourages you to look at her family tree that she dedicated countless time to by visiting: Ancestry Family Tree