Judith Ann Benjamin, 74, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 7:25 A.M. Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Hawthorne Inn of Danville, due to complications from Alzheimer’s.
Judith was born February 20, 1951, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of George and Kathleen VanLeer. She married Thomas Anthony Benjamin on June 29, 1979, in Springfield. He survives in Hoopeston.
She is also survived by three children, Thomas John (Lacey) Benjamin of Rossville, IL, Chad Allen (Stephanie) Hoover of Chatham, IL, and Melissa Ann (Tommy) Harper of Chatham, IL; four brothers, Ron (Mindy) VanLeer of Indianapolis, IN, Tom (Joan) VanLeer of Sherman, IL, Jim (Cheryl) VanLeer of Springfield, IL, and John (Debbie) VanLeer of Paducah, KY; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Judi was preceded in death by her parents, George and Kathleen VanLeer; and one brother, Kenneth VanLeer.
Judi attended Little Flower Catholic Grade School and later graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Springfield.
Judi worked for Kroger Grocery in Chillicothe, IL, for four years. She then owned and operated a Boutique Shop in Hoopeston for several years before being hired as Office Assistant for the Hoopeston Chamber of Commerce for seven years. She later worked for the Hoopeston Main Street program for several years as a Coordinator assisting in the development of the downtown area.
Judi was a member of St Anthony Catholic Church in Hoopeston. She was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, a board member for the Vermilion County Health Department for four years, and enjoyed volunteer work, assisting with the Girl Scout program.
She was an avid gardener and loved her flowers, especially her roses and mums. She also enjoyed reading and loved to entertain her family, friends, and neighbors.
Per her wishes, Judi will be cremated. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M., Friday, April 11, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 P.M. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 423 S. 3rd St., Hoopeston, IL, with Father Ted Pracz officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date at Bentown Friends Cemetery near Bloomington, IL.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Judi to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Judi’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
