Judith Amoroso

Judith Marie Amoroso, 78, passed away, in Barrington, IL, on Saturday, October 15, 2016 after a short illness. Judy was born to Edith and Robert Manke on January 21, 1938, in Chicago, IL. She had a younger brother, Robert Jr. Judy was preceded in death by her father, mother and brother. She is survived by her husband, Robert Amoroso, her lifelong love and husband of almost 60 years, four daughters Kimberly Lucatorto, Pamela Amoroso, Janice Kershaw, and Michele Amoroso. She has four loving grandchildren, Maitlyn Michaels, Kelsey Walker, Quin Kershaw and Tyler Kershaw. Her great granddaughter, Ashlynn Michaels, was the light of her life.
Growing up in Chicago, Judy attended Chicago Public Schools and had many friends. Stories of her younger days were family favorites. Many of her friends from ‘back then’ became lifelong friends.
A long time Barrington resident, Judy has been actively involved in many activities over the years. A stay at home mother when her children were growing up, she was involved in the PTO, Girl Scouts, and helping out with various school and club related fundraisers. She enjoyed attending many plays, concerts and sporting events when her children and grandchildren were involved. When her grandchildren were young, she had them over for ‘Camp Grandma’ every summer. Many fond memories of those weeks, when cousins got to spend time with each other, and grandma and grandpa, while having many adventures.
During her younger years, Judy and the family enjoyed many outdoor pursuits including boating, water skiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling, camping and traveling.
She died a lifelong Cub fan, with many years spent with the kids growing up at Wrigley Field and unfortunately, like many, never saw them in a World Series.
Judy’s civic duties included working as an election judge for many years. Judy’s love of gardening is an ongoing legacy for Barrington residents as she loved getting her fingers dirty, planting at area parks and facilitating garden therapy, with other volunteers. At the time of her death, she was Vice President of the Four Seasons Garden Club and enjoying the BACOA senior club.
She hosted many events at her house and was known among family and friends for her clever and tasteful decorating and ever changing, often unique, dining room centerpieces. She loved nature and would use her finds as part of her decor whether it was a vacated wasp’s nest or an abandoned bird’s nest. Judy was known amongst friends as “Junkie Judy” because she wasn’t afraid to stop and grab an abandoned item and repurpose it in her home. Her kids and grandkids were often along on the adventure. When it was time to redecorate, she would sell items at one of her signature garage sales or give them away to someone who had admired it. She parlayed her interests into an estate sale business for several years. Eventually, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open her own business, Pioneer Pantry. She also enjoyed working part time at various well-known local establishments including Brans Nut Co. in Barrington and Mangels in Long Grove.
Judy was a humble, wise, kind and generous woman. She helped out many people over the years, driving them where they needed to go, giving them a smile when they needed it or a shoulder to cry on, a place to stay and a warm meal. It’s possible that over the years, the house was never an empty nest for too long, as friends and family were always welcome to stay with her and her husband, Bob.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, October 20, 2016 from 4 to 7 pm at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main Street, Barrington, IL. A private memorial service will be held on Friday.