Judy Markey Death, Chicago, IL Obituary – Radio Community Mourns Beloved Broadcaster

Judy Markey, a beloved Chicago radio personality, columnist, novelist, wife, mother, and friend, has died at the age of 82. Her passing was announced by Steve Bertrand during the morning broadcast of The Bob Sirott Show, leaving listeners, colleagues, friends, and family mourning the loss of a familiar and much-loved voice.

Markey was remembered as a woman with a wide range of interests and talents. She loved beautiful flowers, books, cheese and good wine, and was known for her sharp observations, humor, distinctive style, and ability to find comedy in everyday life. She was also a popular newspaper columnist and talented novelist whose personality made a lasting impression on those who knew her.

According to the tribute announcing her death, Markey had been diagnosed with a neurological disorder in 2024. As her health declined, she made the deeply personal decision to pursue Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), a choice she had previously discussed publicly and supported as an option for people facing serious illness.

With her family at her side, Markey peacefully ended her life at a MAID facility in Switzerland. The decision was described as one she made firmly and without hesitation after her illness began taking a significant toll on her body.

Friends from the K&J radio group recently gathered with Markey, sharing an evening filled with laughter, tears, memories, and farewells. Those close to her say the gathering became an especially meaningful final opportunity to celebrate their friendship.

A private memorial service for family and close friends is expected to be livestreamed next week. In the meantime, those who knew Judy Markey are being encouraged to share memories and stories celebrating her life.

Her death marks a profound loss for the Chicago radio community and the many listeners and friends who considered her one of their own.