Judith Newcomb

Knoxville – Judith Lea (Hutchcroft) Newcomb, age 81, died on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at her home in Knoxville, Illinois. She was born on February 9th, 1940 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Judy was a loving, fun woman with a quick wit and great sense of humor. She was deeply loved by her family. Raised in Knoxville, she was honored to be a cheerleader at Knoxville High School. Many of her fondest memories were times spent with her much-loved big brother, Jim. She attended Bradley University and the University of Iowa and was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. During her college years she met and married Hod Hambrecht of Galesburg and they had 4 children. Judy’s dream in life was to be a mother; and she loved every minute of raising her children and being the center of the family. She lived most of her adult life in Southern California and had a deep fondness for the beach. In 1981, Judy married Dick Newcomb and they enjoyed 26 years together until his passing. They shared nightly backgammon games and spent many vacations with family and friends at Lake Mead, NV. Judy had a constant interest in learning, especially new words; and she loved to use those words on her unsuspecting word game partners. She spent countless hours on jigsaw puzzles and was an avid reader of many genres. Her beautiful piano playing would fill the house when she thought no one was listening. Rooting for the Cubs and watching true crime TV were passions that she happily passed onto many of her children and grandchildren. Judy was known for her love of cooking, and many considered themselves very lucky to get a seat around her beautifully set and always candle-lit dinner table for her Midwest inspired comfort foods and her gifted storytelling. In recent years, she moved back to her beloved hometown to spend time with extended family and reconnect with dear friends. Whiffs of Chanel No. 5 and lilacs will forever bring Judy to our minds. She will be dearly missed, but her beautiful spirit will be carried in our hearts forever. Judy is survived by her children, Laura Hambrecht-Donahue (Jim) of San Clemente, CA, Lisa Harano of Dana Point, CA, Scott Hambrecht (Cindy) of Las Vegas, NV, and Julie Barnett (Matt) of Snohomish, WA; eight grandchildren; sister-in-law Sally Hutchcroft and nephew, Joel Hutchcroft (Pam) of Knoxville, IL and niece Ann Weber of Coralville, IA. She was preceded in death by husband, Dick Newcomb; her parents, Herbert and Mildred Hutchcroft; and brother, Jim Hutchcroft. Cremation rites will be accorded. Services have yet to be determined. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with her wishes. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Judith Newcomb please visit our Sympathy Store.