Judith "Judy" Crystal O'Brien

Judith “Judy” Crystal O’Brien, 82, of Princeton, IL passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at OSF St. Clare Medical Center in Princeton.

Judy was born on June 21, 1943, in Princeton, Illinois, to Ralph and Evelyn (Verbeke) Farley. She graduated from Princeton High School with the Class of 1961 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Illinois in 1965.

Judy taught high school English and French for four years, and later dedicated 18 years of service as an Investigator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services before retiring in 2010. In addition to her public service career, she pursued her passion for art by owning and operating Glassworks, a stained-glass shop in Princeton, and making custom stained-glass pieces for individuals and businesses. One of her pieces still hangs in the window at The Lodestone. She also ran Bay Wind Farm, breeding National Show Horses, on Route 26 just outside of Princeton.

She was a lifelong member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton and served on the Council of Catholic Women (CCW). Judy found joy in writing, the arts, and working on word puzzles, but above all, she treasured time spent with her family.

Judy will be remembered for her creativity and deep love for those closest to her.

She is survived by her daughter, Erin (Jesus Cruz) O’Brien of Chicago; two sons-in-law, Simon Gee of Princeton and Roger Johnson of Chicago; and four grandchildren, Ryan Gee, Kieran O’Brien, Kerry O’Brien, and Aibhlin O’Brien.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Laurel Gee, and two sisters, Joan Mandell and Rita Valentine.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton with Father Austin Bosse officiating. Burial of Cremated Remains will immediately follow the mass at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, IL. Cremation Rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be directed to the family for donation to Judy’s various charitable organizations.