She was born August 24, 1939 in Galesburg, Illinois, to Vernon and Margaret (Donahue) Wagner, both of whom preceded her in death.

Judy was married to Jerry Handley, who survives of Chesterton. She is also survived by her sons, Jeff (Michelle) Handley of Westmont, Ill. and Ryan (Robin) Handley of Chesterton; daughter, Pamela (Rick) Potts of Valparaiso; brother, Jake (Becky) Wagner; sister, Holly (Jim) Siewin; grandchildren, Adam (Bobby), Justin, and Evan (Melissa) Potts, Jeremy, Andrew, Mckenna and Michael Handley; great-grandchild, Kaylee Jo Potts; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Wagner.

Judy started working at the age of 14 at a dime store in her hometown. Later, she worked at the St. Joseph’s college library for Fr. Banet, later becoming his personal secretary. She became a licensed real estate salesperson in 1971, a career which would continue for the next 30 plus years. She became a Managing Broker and Residential Vice-President of Harley Snyder’s Chesterton office in 1982, which became Coldwell Banker. Judy went on to work for Century 21 Executive Group in the capacity of Branch Manager, later becoming the company’s first Director of Training and Technology and Director of Relocation. Judy returned to Coldwell Banker as a Sales Manager and Broker and retired in 2005. She served in many offices including as President of the Duneland-Valparaiso Board of Realtors and was named the board’s “Realtor of the Year” in 1992.

Her dedication to the real estate field was equaled by her dedication to her community. She served as a member of the Duneland Economic Development Corporation, was Director of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce, past Board Member and Secretary of the American Cancer Society, was a YMCA and United Way volunteer, and was the 1987 recipient of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. She was also a member of the Chesterton-Porter Rotary.

She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where she was a cantor and Eucharistic minister. Throughout her long and dedicated career and numerous volunteer activities, her most important job was being a mother and she was happy she was able to meet her great-grandchild, Kaylee Jo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N. Calumet Rd., Chesterton, Ind. with Father James Meade and Father Lawrence Heeg concelebrating. Burial will follow at Chesterton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, Ind.

Memorials may be made to the VNA Hospice Center of Porter County or the Porter County Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.EE-FH.com

Posted 12/27/2011