Judith Ann Chesser, 55, of Roseville, CA, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at her home.
Cremation rites have been accorded and Celebration Of Life ceremonies are being planned in Illinois and California. Burial will be held in Saint Agnes Cemetery in Hillsboro. Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington is assisting the family.
Ms. Chesser was the seventh of eight daughters born to Carl Eugene and Jessie Louise (Woodson) Chesser on Nov. 6, 1964, in Belleville.
She was raised in Wilmington and earned her associate’s degree in the arts at Joliet Junior College in 1984. Her passion for sports and kids provided for a lifelong career in education and coaching.
In 1988, Ms. Chesser followed her youngest sister Joan to Hawaii, where she lived for the next 11 years. While in Hawaii, she continued her love of sports, playing on a women’s softball team for many years. She also thoroughly enjoyed singing karaoke and even disc jockeyed at Kelly’s Bronco Bar. In her free time, she simply took pleasure in driving around the island enjoying the beaches and sites.
She moved from Hawaii to Rocklin, CA, in 1999 to begin a new journey. Shortly after moving, she quickly jumped in and volunteered at Sierra Christian Academy in the office. It wasn’t long before her value was recognized and put to use in the classroom. She jumped in with both feet as a preschool aid and never stopped growing and encouraging children to reach their highest potential. Her roles ranged from office assistant to teacher’s aid to coach. She was a mentor, an encourager and always had a listening ear for kids and adults alike.
In 2011, Ms. Chesser received her degree in early childhood development from Ashford University. She was most proud of this accomplishment as it allowed her to fully submerse herself in her passion for teaching. She began working at Merryhill School as a preschool teacher and was there until her passing. She had a special way of creating a bond with every single child and made them feel special. Many of her “kids” considered her their best friend – that’s the kind of educator she was.
She lived her life to the fullest as a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt, teacher, coach and friend. She loved to scrapbook, was obsessed with the San Francisco 49er’s and was a great fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. As not only her nieces and nephews, but her countless “kids” could attest, Judy will be remembered as a tremendous story teller.
Ms. Chesser modeled many small acts of sacrifice and great acts of love over the years and there is no doubt that she will be greatly missed by her loving family. Judy leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories for her family to cherish forever.
She is survived by her mother of Hillsboro; sisters, Betty Earp, Becky (Steve) Quigley, Donna Chesser, Cecilia Storbeck, Carla (Tim Smith) Issert and Joan (Bill) Eddy; nieces and nephews, Josh (Sara) Quigley, Travis (Kristen) Quigley, Nathan (Jessica) Earp, Hayden Earp, Kate (Chris) Hansen, Andrew (fiance Ashley Schumacher) Storbeck, Brianne (Jerry) Riggs, Benjamin (fiance Emily Francis) Storbeck, Brittany (Jong) Kim and Ian (Kelly) Issert; 19 great-nieces and great-nephews, Ava, Ella, Carter and Wyatt Quigley, Zoey and Norah Kate Earp, Claire, Julia, Eleanor and Phoenix Hansen, Gavin and Addyson Riggs, Avery Rogowski, Jacobi and Paxton Issert-Kim, Ian, Ryker and Rowan Issert and Mavis Storbeck.
Ms. Chesser was preceded in death by her father; sister, Diana Lynn; four aunts; two uncles; two brothers-in-law, Dan Earp and Brian Storbeck; and grandparents, Cleo and Josephine Woodson and Carl William and Jewel Estelle Chesser.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.baskervillefuneralhome.com.
