Judith Ann Comerio

Born on February 8, 1944, in Aurora, IL, she was the oldest of William and Darlene Hilger’s six children. Judy grew up in Champaign, IL, and attended Holy Cross Grade School and Champaign Central High School. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1966 with a B.A. in the teaching of English and speech. She earned a M.A. in human development counseling from U.I.S. in 1980. Judy worked for Catholic Charities for over 20 years, initially as a family therapist and later as the administrator of St. Monica's Maternity Center in Springfield.

She met John Comerio at the University of Illinois and married him on December 26, 1966. They were married for 53 years before John's death in 2020. They had two children: Carri of Delray Beach, FL and Anthony “Tony” (Theresa) of Springfield. They had three grandchildren: Gabrielle Casciato (Tyler Ederer) of Raleigh, North Carolina, John “Jack” Comerio, and Nicolas “Nico” Comerio of Springfield.

Judy lived by the motto “Ancora Impora” which means, I am always learning. She knitted and crocheted, making over 150 pairs of socks for friends and family. She also became a great cook and learned to make many of John's favorite Italian dishes. She loved to entertain. She liked to travel and visited most of the U.S. (including Alaska) and Canada. She also visited Ireland, Italy, England, Wales, and Scotland.

She was a huge fan of the University of Illinois sports and loved tailgate with fellow alumni, friends and family.

John and Judy had over eleven dogs during their marriage. They also trained therapy dogs which they took to visit nursing homes in the area. They took ballroom dancing lessons and belonged to several dance groups. Judy also enjoyed playing duplicate and contract bridge.

Most of all, Judy liked to read and always had a book on hand. She learned to read before she was in the first grade. She read about one book each week and belonged to many book discussion groups over her lifetime.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Judy is survived by her children, grandchildren, and her five siblings, Nancy Hilger of Rochester, Illinois; Michael (Kathy) Hilger of Green Bay, WI, Patricia Hilger of Wisconsin; William Hilger of Ohio; Joanne Hilger of Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Her remains will be cremated and buried alongside John's at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. A brief graveside ceremony will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery on Thursday May 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM.

Anyone wishing to donate in memory of Judy can do so to the Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sangamon County.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.