Judith F. Berberet

Judith lived her life with an unmistakable smile, an enduringly positive outlook, and a genuine love for the people around her. She had a wonderful ability to find joy in life’s everyday moments and remained curious, engaged, and interested in the world throughout her life.

She was the loving mother of Mark Berberet (Dana), James Berberet (Jean), Nancy Berberet (Richard), and Thomas Berberet. She was an especially proud and devoted grandmother to Cara Berberet (William), Madison Berberet (Sahil), Katelyn Berberet (Diego), Riley Berberet, Lily Berberet, Jack Berberet, Olivia Berberet, and Trip Espinoza, and was blessed to become a great-grandmother to Erin and Jude. Judith also remained close to her former daughters-in-law, Joleen Berberet and Donna Gandia, the mothers of three of her beloved grandchildren, and treasured the many years of family memories they shared.

Judith had many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wide circle of devoted friends. Her warmth, optimism, friendship, and ever-present smile touched countless lives. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vivian and Frank Pilarski; her sister, Claudia Siragusa; her former husband, Russell Berberet; and many dear friends who were an important part of her life.

Of all the things Judith treasured in her life, few brought her greater happiness than her grandchildren. She was affectionately known as Grandma, Grammy, Grandma Chicago, and Amma Bamma. She loved caring for them and being present for the moments, both big and small, that made up their lives. She cheered from the sidelines at sporting events, celebrated graduations and weddings, traveled and vacationed with her family, and cherished holidays together—especially Thanksgiving.Every Drawing, painting, and handmade creation from her grandchildren was worthy of display, and her home proudly reflected how deeply she treasured each of them. She delighted in their accomplishments, but even more importantly, she simply loved being with them. Her grandchildren always knew just how proud their grandmother was of them and how very much they were loved.

Judith was also a tremendous sports fan and an avid follower of just about every sport, with a special devotion to her hometown Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks. A world-class ice skater and tobogganer in her own right, she appreciated both the competition and the pure enjoyment of sports. She was a voracious reader, an ardent *Jeopardy!* watcher, and loved continuing to learn throughout her life.

Judith also possessed a rare culinary gift and a lifelong love of cooking. Her extensive collection of cookbooks formed an impressive culinary library, reflecting both her curiosity and her joy in creating wonderful food for the people she loved. She could turn out everything from a sophisticated butternut squash lasagna to her simple, family-famous Rice Krispies fudge bars with equal ease—and somehow make both seem effortless.

The theater was another lifelong passion. Over the years, Judith enjoyed hundreds of plays and productions in theaters throughout the United States and around the world. She appreciated great performances in all their forms, but musicals held a particularly special place in her heart. Simply put, Judith never met a musical she didn’t love.

She was also fortunate to travel extensively throughout the United States and around the world, creating wonderful memories and enjoying new places, people, and experiences along the way.

Judith leaves behind a family profoundly grateful for the love, laughter, memories, and traditions she gave them. Her greatest legacy will live on in the family she adored and in the countless memories they will carry with them always.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Judith’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html