Post Messenger Recorder -

Judy Korshak-Samuels, of Evanston, Illinois, and rural New Glarus Township, passed away February 15, 2023. She was 76 years old, a retired public elementary and middle school math teacher.

Beginning in the mid-1980's, Judy and her eventual husband, Rich Samuels, often came to New Glarus as tourists, where Judy patronized and made friends with virtually every shopkeeper and restaurateur in the village while Rich biked or hiked the Sugar River Trail. In 1992, Judy and Rich, totally captivated by New Glarus and the warmth of its residents, purchased a small home not far outside the corporate limits. On their way home from the real estate closing they stopped at the New Glarus Public Library and obtained library cards. Judy subsequently became active in fundraising for the construction of a new public library. In so doing, she acquired a large circle of New Glarus friends who similarly believed that New Glarus deserved something more appropriate than the current facility. Unfortunately, Judy's wish to see the new library built during her lifetime was not realized.

In addition to her husband, Judy is survived by three sisters.

A celebration of Judy's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., May 30, 2023, at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Avenue.