Obituary: Judith A. Baskin

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

JUDITH ANN BASKIN

Judith Ann Baskin, 85, of Joliet, passed away peacefully August 14, 2025, in Joliet from pulmonary distress and related complications. She was born on January 9, 1940, in Chicago to William and Jean Kaplan. Raised on the north side of Chicago, Judy graduated from Sullivan High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education in 1961. She moved to Joliet after marrying Mark N. Baskin on August 1, 1964.

Judy taught first and second grade students in Chicago, Des Plaines, Joliet, and Plainfield, with her final school being Crystal Lawns. She left teaching when her first son, James M. Baskin, was born. His arrival was soon followed by that of her second child, Thomas M. Baskin, and for the rest of her life, Judy always did whatever she could to help her husband and her boys.

When Jim and Tom were teenagers, Judy went back to work, this time as a cashier at several local establishments. She spent ten years working with Mark at the Cass and Ottawa Clothing Store that they owned in downtown Joliet, then ten years at the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Joliet, and lastly twelve years at the Joliet Junior College bookstore. She finally retired in 2020 at age 80.

Judy was energetic, modest, and caring. She enjoyed reading, housekeeping, and sending birthday and anniversary cards to friends, neighbors, and co-workers. In recent years, many people affectionately referred to her as “Miss Judy.” It is no exaggeration to say that she was loved by almost everyone who knew her.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her sons, Jim and Tom, and by her brother, Wayne (Lynn) Kaplan of Phoenix, Arizona, as well as several cousins.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in her name can be made to a charity of your choice.

Visitation for Judith Ann Baskin will be held on Friday, August 22, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home in Joliet, located at 3200 Black Road (at Essington) from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. As it was her request, cremation rites will be accorded following visitation.

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

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