Judith Ann Nelson, age 88, of Quincy, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Quincy, IL. She was born on May 12, 1938, in Hannibal, MO to Alfred J. and Margaret M. (Ernst) Paradise. She married George W. Nelson at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hannibal on December 29, 1959. He preceded her in death on November 15, 2011.

She attended Blessed Sacrament grade school and graduated from Hannibal High School in 1955. She furthered her education at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (Truman State), graduating in 1959 with a degree in Elementary Education. She served as President of Delta Zeta Sorority, was a member of Cardinal Key, and was Homecoming Queen. Judy then taught Kindergarten at Lincoln School in Keokuk, IA.

Judy moved to Tenafly, New Jersey where George was teaching at his hometown school. They then moved to Quincy in 1964 when George was hired as teacher and coach at Quincy High School.

Judy was involved in Scouts, the Parent Teacher Organization, and other volunteer opportunities at St. Peter School. At St. Peter Church, she served on the Parish Council and as a Eucharistic Minister and was the first woman to serve as a lector and reader of Scripture. She was a founding member of the St. Peter Social Concerns committee and an original member of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. She also belonged to the Stewardship committee, Warm and Welcoming, Soup and a Smile, and Martha and Mary grief committees. Judy and George were leaders in TEC, Cursillo, and Marriage Encounter.

Judy served as a communion minister to patients at Blessing Hospital. She volunteered at Horizons Soup Kitchen. She dedicated a significant amount of time to her community by serving on various boards and organizations, including as a member and board member of the Quincy Service League, board member of Family Service Agency (Cornerstone), Quincy Catholic Charities, League of Women Voters of Adams County, Women’s City Club Board, Friends of the Bull House, board member of the American Association of University Women. She was also a member of Quincy Preserves and opened two of her and George’s homes for historic tours.

She volunteered at the Blessing Tea Room for 18 years and frequently volunteered at Catholic Ladies of Charity. Judy was a member of the YMCA where she enjoyed participating in water aerobics classes and swimming for many years.

After raising her children, Judy worked in the newsroom at the Quincy Herald Whig as a research librarian. She also worked as an Academic Advisor for John Wood Community College, where she started the second year of the school’s founding and retired after the construction of the current campus.

Judy supported the arts in Quincy. She held season tickets to the Quincy Community Theater, Quincy Symphony, and Quincy Civic Music, and enjoyed attending Quincy Park Band concerts.

An avid sports fan, Judy followed the St. Louis Cardinals throughout her life. She also cheered for the Quincy Blue Devil and Illinois Fighting Illini sports programs and closely followed her children’s and grandchildren’s sports and other activities.

Judy always enjoyed being on the go and spending time outdoors – she was especially proud of her gardening skills. She was an excellent chef and was passionate about cooking and entertaining friends and family, as well as being an avid reader. She felt fortunate and proud to have traveled to forty-nine states, as well as favorite trips to Italy, Ireland and France.

Judy felt strongly about the importance of family gatherings and was especially fond of all the Paradise family events.

Judy is survived by her children: Michael Nelson (Danielle) of Kenosha WI; Laura Nelson of Quincy, IL; Daniel Nelson (Jennifer) and Joseph Nelson (Denise) of Chesterfield, MO; and Andrew Nelson (Lori) of Quincy, IL.

Grandchildren: Megan Menne (Mike), Aimee Jackstadt (Bryson), George Nelson (Danielle); Stephen Nelson (Elise), Emily Smith (Jacob) and Jacob Nelson; Brendan Nelson (Brooklyn) and Katelyn Mast (Alex); Lydia Nelson; and Suzanne Pavesich (Mike).

Great Grandchildren: Coen and Brady Jackstadt; Olivia, Eleanor and Rosemary Menne; Flynn and Felix Mast; Shepherd Smith; and Reagan Nelson.

Also survived by brothers-in-law Richard and Robert Nelson and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and siblings and their spouses: Joan Meyer (William); Alfred Paradise (Barbara); Paul Paradise (Patricia); Mary Watkins (H. William).

Judy donated her body to St. Louis University School of Medicine for scientific study.
Memorial Mass: Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church.
Suggested memorials: St. Peter Social Concerns Committee or the Lorenzo Bull House.

Service arrangements are with the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.