Obituary: Judith Lynn Michels

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Judith Lynn Michels "Lynn"

(nee Gray)

Age 84, of Crest Hill, passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center. She was born on September 18, 1938 in Chicago, the daughter of the late Elmer and Marjorie (nee O'Hara) Gray. She attended St. Pascal's Grade School and Alvernia High School, and held degrees from DePaul, Marquette and Governors State Universities. Lynn served 30 years as a school psychologist. She worked in Joliet, District #86 and then Southern Will County Cooperative, including Channahon District #17.

During her time as a school psychologist, she was instrumental in starting a crisis intervention program used today in Southern Will County. She understood the need to address these situations in schools. She also spent many years mentoring many young school psychologists; recent college graduates who were beginning their careers.

In retirement, Lynn divided her time between family, friends, church and volunteer work. She volunteered for the “Upper Room” crisis line for 10 years, doubling her efforts during the Covid pandemic. Lynn’s extraordinary faith and love of St. Patrick’s pushed her to be heavily involved in the church. Her ministries included RCIA, CCW, Liturgy Committee, Parish Council, Eucharistic Minister, Lector and many more. She was an associate member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. Lynn was recently Honored with the Woman of the Year Award from St. Patrick’s parish. Outside of work Lynn enjoyed bird watching, art, music, gardening, reading, and cooking. In her youth she was on the sailing team at Marquette University and took flying lessons as well. She had a love for the opera, classical music, museums and the theater.

Surviving are her two children, Camille (David) Ernst, and Christopher (Cynthia) Michels; and her beloved grandchildren, Jacob, Meagan, Matthew and Alexander.

Visitation for Lynn will be Monday January 2, 2023 from 3-8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd) Joliet. Funeral services Tuesday January 3, 2023, 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home to St. Patrick Catholic Church 710 W. Marion St., Joliet where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Lynn’s final earthly remains will be entombed at a later date in the Mausoleum at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL where her parents are also laid to rest.

In lieu of flower memorials in her name to St. Patrick Catholic Church would be appreciated.

For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.

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