Obituary of Judy Delia Van Dien

Judy Delia Stried Van Dien, age 81, passed away peacefully January 7, 2024 after a lengthy illness, with her son and family by her side.  She was born August 19, 1942 in Waukegan IL to the late Howard and Jeanette Fagan Stried.  She married her longtime high school sweetheart John K. Van Dien on May 18, 1963 who preceded her in death in 2013.

Judy was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as MoMo and Auntie.  She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She made friends everywhere she went and is survived by many lifelong relatives and friends.  Judy was an only child and from a young age considered her best friend Laura Lee Herrington as a “sister” and they remained close her entire life.

Judy worked for 30 plus years at District 187, and most of her time in early education at Greenbay School in North Chicago. She completed her education at both Eastern Illinois University, and College of Lake County.  She loved working with children and told many heartfelt stories from times she would dig in her purse to help the less fortunate children with lunch, to helping  them with warm clothing.  She loved all of the children and stayed in touch with many throughout the years.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband John, her loving parents Howard, and Jeannette (Fagan) Stried, her grandsons Matthew and Ryan Elliott, her brother in law Jim (Barbara) Van Dien, her dearest cousin Judy Fagan (Ed) Foitik, and many more close relatives who she missed dearly.  

Judy is survived and cherished by her children, Johnette, and John (Kathleen) Van Dien, her grandchildren; Johnna (Tyler) Dempsay, Madisyn Van Dien, Tricia (Danny) Sarenac, Andrew (July) Elliott, and her great grandchildren Ari & Emmi Sarenac, Dezmond & Odin Elliott, Jeremiah Elliott, her sister in law Barbara Van Dien, and many nieces and nephews.                                                         

Visitation will take place from 3:00pm-6:00pm with a service at 6:00pm on Wednesday, January 17,  2024 at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road Zion, IL.   Interment to be private at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, IL.