Judith Ann Higham

Judith Ann Higham passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, just one day after celebrating her 83rd birthday. A funeral Mass in her honor will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 320 N. 21st Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. A committal service will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. The visitation will be held the same day from 11:30 am to 12:30 PM at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Judy was born on June 23, 1943, in Chelsea, MA to the late Joseph and Rose E. (Lynch) Kenney. She married the love of her life, Paul Higham on December 13, 1968, in Brookline, MA; he survives and resides in Gurnee, IL. She is also survived by her three sons, Chris P. Higham and wife Jeannette of Deerfield, IL, Tim V. Higham and wife Anna of Monticello, IL, Gary A. Higham and wife Deana of Bloomington, IL; four grandchildren: Taylor A. Higham, Eve K. Higham, Lucy A. Higham, Sophie M. Higham; two sisters, Barbara J. Collins of Sagamore, MA, and Millie Lynch of Painesville, MA. She was preceded in death by two brothers. Born and raised in the Boston area near the Chelsea Naval Base, Judy proudly carried her New England roots wherever life took her. She lived in Philadelphia for 25 years before settling in Illinois. She worked as a shipping tax secretary for Boston Harbor and was a devoted member of St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Woodbridge. An accomplished athlete in her younger years, Judy played semi-professional tennis and also enjoyed field hockey and softball. A lifelong sports fan, she never missed an opportunity to cheer on her children and grandchildren. Married to her beloved husband, Paul, for 58 years, she was the proud matriarch of her family, raising three sons and cherishing four grandchildren. She also loved to travel, especially to her favorite destination, Nantucket, and always held a special place in her heart for New England. Judy will be remembered for her unconditional love, quick wit, unmistakable Boston accent, determination, and generous heart. Friends of her sons often stopped by just to hear her say, "Gahhry, put your sneaks away!" before she offered everyone "a little something to eat." She welcomed all into her home and made everyone feel like family. To her family, Judy was their greatest champion. She taught them to push through life's challenges with strength, resilience, and love. They find comfort in knowing she is finally at peace and will continue to honor her by living the lessons she taught them. Though she will be deeply missed, her love and example will remain with them always. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

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Judith Ann Higham

June 23, 1943 - June 24, 2026