Central Middle School Mourns Passing of Beloved Teacher, Judy Mulchrone

Central Middle School and Evergreen Park Elementary School Dist. 124 are mourning the loss of one of their most beloved and popular teachers.

Judiann “Judy” Mulchrone passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Dec. 8, after a year-long fight with pancreatic cancer. She was 57.

Ms. Mulchrone taught physical education for 20 years at Central Middle School, where she was known as a spirited, but firm and fair teacher.

Her colleagues lauded her for professionalism and dedication to education, who treasured her compassion and great sense of humor.

Video tribute by Claudia Parker, Dist. 124 communications director

“She will be missed as a teacher, colleague, but most of all as a friend,” Central Middle School principal Rita Sparks said.

Ms. Mulchrone was also known for her strong sense of family. Married for 32 years to husband, John F. Muchrone Jr., she was the devoted mother of John III (Traci), Martin (Michelle), Brian, Margaret and Maureen, and doting grandmother of Faye and John IV.

A memorial tribute video made for Ms. Mulchrone to Lee Ann Womack’s song, “I Hope You Dance,” remembers the teacher’s love for dancing, “We all know she’s doing the Hustle.”

Ms. Mulchrone’s daughter, Maureen, spoke of a visit by her mother’s colleagues the night before she passed away on the D124 Facebook page:

“I can’t express how grateful we are to the Evergreen Park School District. They were so wonderful to my mom both while working and in her struggles this last year. Her coworkers [principle] Rita [Sparks], teachers Bruce [Blake] and Heidi [Murphy] came over last night and I truly believe she was waiting on them. She woke up to spend time with them and passed the next morning. Thank you Central Junior High for your generosity and love this past year and always.”

Ms. Mulchrone was also the beloved daughter of Thomas (Irene) and the late Patricia, and dear sister of Tommy, Corrine (Rich) Markoff, Patrick (late Susan), Peggy (Bob) Ziltz, Greg (Kelly), and Jimbo (Brett).

She was a loving daughter-in-law to John and Donna Mulchrone; and sister-in-law of Patrick (Julie), Peter (Colleen), and the late Marian (Jim) Lynch, Nora, Bill (Patty), Tom (Shelley), Robert (Hannah), and Sheila (Dan) Menard; the fond aunt of many nieces and nephews, and a great friend to all.

Visitation will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Christ the King Church, 9235 S. Hamilton Ave., Chicago. Friends and family will meet at Christ the King Church on Saturday, Dec. 12, for a funeral Mass at 10 a.m.

Students, parents, friends and family may also leave condolences and tributes on Ms. Mulchrone’s online guest book.

Arrangements are being handled by Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge.