Judy Kay Thompson

Judy Kay Thompson, 76, passed away at 11:46 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at her home. Born June 7, 1949 in Alton, she was the daughter of Paul Godfrey and Eva (Mandorca) Fortschneider. On November 21, 1969 she married Larry Lynn Thompson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He survives. From the deep love Judy and Larry have shared over the past nearly 57 years, to their dedication as educators in local schools, their commitment to their church and Rotary, their enjoyment of cool music and cruising in classic cars, and the warmth of their longtime friends, Judy and Larry truly knew how to appreciate life. Above all, it is their family that has always been at the center of everything they do, bringing them joy and purpose. Judy shared her love for education through working at St. Ambrose School in Godfrey from 1978 until she retired in 2013, where she taught Kindergarten for many years and later computer classes for all grade levels. From the early days of playing Oregon Trail on two computers for the entire school to a full computer lab where students worked on Kid Pix, Marble Blast and Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego. Rumor has it, if you wrote WWJD (What Would Jesus…not Judy…Do) on the top of your tests, you could get extra credit. And she was known for always having mints on her desk, much to the delight of her students! She loved running into past students and hearing about their lives and the stories they remembered from the classroom. She was also a member of the Alton Water Ski Club where she performed ski shows and served as Show Director. An accident while water skiing in 1983 nearly left her paralyzed, but God had other plans. While it was an incredibly challenging time in her life, her example of perseverance and faith inspired those around her. She eventually worked her way back into the classroom where she would continue teaching and being involved in the lives of her children and extended family. Along with her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Lynn Weiner (Scott) of Godfrey, a son, John Warren Thompson (Stephanie) of Nashville, TN, and five grandchildren, Garrett Weiner (fiancé Kaitlyn Coles), Lauren Weiner, and Allie Weiner, Lillian Thompson, and Caroline Thompson. Judy was so proud of her children, their involvement in various sports, clubs, and activities through high school and later their achievements in college and in life. But, ask her about her grandchildren and hopefully you pulled up a chair to hear those proud stories, too! She and Larry tried to catch as many games, concerts, recitals, tournaments, and events as she could between Godfrey and Nashville and in towns in between. If you were her friend on Facebook, you know Judy loved to share current and past photos of family and friends, reliving the memories and making new ones. Also surviving are two sisters, Patricia Bracht of Godfrey, and Margaret Dunn (Richard) of Alton. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Lou Scoggins and a brother-in-law, Donald Bracht. Judy shared so many good times with her siblings and other family, her groups of friends from grade school, her church friends, other grandparents she shared a bleacher with at sporting events, and those she met and befriended along the way. Judy’s family especially thanks those who kept in touch and looked in on her, made a call, sent a card or text the last few months. For friends, past students and others who knew her, join the family on Friday, April 10, 2026, for a Prayer Vigil at 3:45 p.m. followed by a visitation until 7:00 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Father Steve Janoski will officiate. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Judy Thompson Scholarship fund at St. Ambrose School www.saintambroseparish.org/memorials. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Judy Kay Thompson

June 7, 1949 - March 24, 2026