WALTHAM – Judy L. Baker, 74, of Waltham, passed away peacefully on Feb. 15, 2025, at Primrose Retirement Community, in Appleton, Wis., where she moved to be closer to her daughter.
As per her wishes, Judy will be cremated and buried alongside her husband. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Shrine in La Salle with Rev. J.A. Small officiating. A memorial visitation will be held from 9-10:45 a.m., Friday, Feb. 21, at the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Judy was born on May 10, 1950, in La Salle, to Peter G. and Margaret (Fillipeck) Sampo Sr. She graduated from LaSalle-Peru Township High School in 1969. Judy married Edwin C. Baker, on Nov. 14, 1970, and they moved to Waltham to live on the family farm.
Judy is survived by her mother, Margaret (Fillipeck) Sampo, of LaSalle; one daughter, Karen (Joseph) Burgoni III, of Appleton, Wis.; three sons, Jeffery (Deanna) Baker of Waltham, Brian (Christina Burleson) Baker of Waltham and Christopher Baker of Waltham; four grandchildren, granddaughters Mia Burgoni and Cassie Baker, and grandsons, Joe Baker and Rian Baker; two sisters, Sandy (Chris) Noll of Arlington and Christina (EJ) Gray of Oglesby; three brothers, Jerry (Shawn) Sampo of Conway, Tenn., Peter (Linda) Sampo, Jr., of LaSalle and Greg (Lisa) Sampo of Fairbury; and her beloved cat, Latte.
She was preceded in death by her father, Peter G Sampo, Sr., and her husband, Edwin C Baker.
Judy retired from OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in 2016 after a long career as part of the Building Operations Department supporting many areas of the hospital. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant Certification and worked as a CNA at Heritage Woods of Ottawa alongside her employment at the hospital.
Judy was a member of the LaSalle VFW and CWV Auxiliaries and New Windsor Sportsman’s Club, Victoria. She was raised Catholic as a member of the Queen of the Holy Rosary Church.
Judy was a force of nature, always looking for her next adventure. She loved to spend time with her family and friends, enjoyed baking, shopping, and traveling (especially trips to Las Vegas or a Casino Riverboat with her parents on a Sunday afternoon). She loved to stay active whether she was “mall walking,” playing volleyball, bike riding or taking care of the farm and its many animals - she stayed busy. She enjoyed sipping her coffee all day long. She was always there for anyone in their time of need and was the center of our universe.