Judith Ann Sweet, 83, of Clifton passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at her residence. She was born on August 25, 1942 in Kankakee, a son of Walter Henry and Bernice Loraine (Regnier) Beland. Judy married Charles R. Sweet in Chicago in 1970 and he preceded her in death on February 23, 2012.
She is survived by three daughters, Donna (Jeffrey) Gardner of Clifton, Julie Radtke of Clifton, and Jane Murphy of Houston, Texas; two sons, Rob (Christine) Sweet of Watseka and Donald Murphy of Clifton; seventeen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by both of her parents; one son-in-law, Rick Radtke; and one granddaughter, Danielle Radtke.
Throughout her life, Judy pursued many passions. While attending Kankakee High School, she was a proud member of the color guard, participating in numerous local and Chicago parades. She also enjoyed showing and riding horses, playing cards, watching drum and bugle corps competitions, and attending family gatherings. Additionally, she was an avid bird watcher who truly loved her birds. Judy was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse.
Professionally, Judy worked as a CNA throughout the 1980s at various nursing homes in Houston, Southern California, and Illinois. She later served as an LPN for Riverside from 1990 to 2013, where she discovered her true passion for home health care. She deeply valued the opportunity for one-on-one care and the meaningful relationships she developed with her patients, many of whom requested her specifically for their care.
Funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse with Pastor Ronald Rock officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior beginning at 10:00 a.m. also at the church.
Mausoleum Entombment will follow the funeral service at the All Saints Cemetery and Mausoleum near Bourbonnais.
Memorials may be given the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, VA Home, or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
Please share a memory of Judy at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
