Just Judy

On January 16, 1941, a young girl was born in Chicago, Illinois.  No one realized that this lady would capture the hearts and minds of people all over the State of Illinois.  Judy Baar Topinka loved the Village of Riverside in which she spent her entire life, but she loved every county, township, city, village, and town in Illinois.

Judy had an incredible personality and the ability to embrace new ideas and new perspectives for the good of everyone in Illinois.

While there are often so many negative things being said in the media today about government and politics, you all may enjoy this video with WGN’s very own Bob Sirott and his wife Marianne Murciano taken at Judy’s home in Riverside, Illinois in 2004.  It is funny and loving and will bring you a smile on Judy’s Day!

The book, Just Judy, A Citizen and Leader for Illinois, tries to bring out that same Judy personality with an eye toward teaching young and old alike about civics, especially Illinois civics.

Joseph Baar Topinka was invited by the Army Nurse Corps Association to make a presentation about his Mother, Judy Baar Topinka, and his book about her entitled Just Judy, A Citizen and Leader for Illinois on June 12, 2021. The Army Nurse Corps Association has agreed for this recording to be posted here. 

Judy was a great supporter of Loyola University and was on its Board of Regents. Her son also received his advanced law degree from Loyola University School of Law. The Foundation and the Topinka family thank Loyola Magazine for helping get the word out about Just Judy.

• 

• 

Just Judy: Book Signing & Video!

Join me for stories that enlighten, energize, inform, and entertain from Just Judy, my newly released biography of Judy Baar Topinka. Judy was a pioneering female leader, tireless public servant, and champion of the equality. I look forward to seeing you!

Friday, October 12, 10:00am-1:00pm
CSA Fraternal Life – 2050 Finley Road, Suite 70 – Lombard, IL

Her son’s loving tribute to Judy Baar Topinka’s leadership and style

By Cinda Ackerman Klickna

Judy Barr Topinka had a distinguished career in politics, serving as Illinois representative, senator, state treasurer and comptroller. She was often called “colorful” so it is fitting that a new book about her is colorfully designed, from the front cover, filled with items representing her life, to each page bordered in red and filled with photos. The book is a light, lively and living document of Topinka, which combines her biography and thoughts on leadership with activities teachers can use and questions students can discuss.

Read the rest at IllinoisTimes.com