It is with deep sorrow that we reflect on the passing of Northbrook Historical Society President and resident Judy Hughes (1944 - 2025) whose unwavering commitment to celebrating our shared history is an enduring gift that surround us every day.

As we reflect on her contributions to our community, we are re-sharing a portion of the March 14, 2023, Village Board meeting when Judy Hughes was presented a Key to the Village of Northbrook during Women’s History Month recognizing her as a champion for our community.  The following is an excerpt from Village President Kathryn Ciesla’s remarks as part of the presentation.

Judy was raised in Wilmette, then Glenview, and went to New Trier, but moved to Northbrook when she and her husband first married. At the time, her husband worked at UL but quickly became a firefighter. Judy has called Northbrook home for more than 60 years. Her children went to Crestwood and Greenbriar schools. Her youngest son proudly works for Northbrook as a water plant operator. Her daughter works for Allstate, and her other son recently retired from the fire department.

Her parents and grandfather were all involved in their communities, helping shape the places they called home. It’s no surprise that Judy has done so much for Northbrook. She has often said she was in the right place at the right time, but on behalf of Northbrook, I’d say we had the right person in the right place.

While raising her children, Judy became involved with the PTO. She was instrumental in the school art program, bringing art into classrooms and arranging for speakers to enrich students’ experiences. She was elected to the PTO Council representing Crestwood School, which led her to work with PTO leaders across the district.

She volunteered for the Northbrook Caucus, helping vet candidates for elected office, and after attending many District 28 board meetings, she decided to run herself. As they say, cream rises to the top. Judy was elected to the District 28 School Board, where she served for 14 years, including six years as board president.

Judy has shared that Homer Harvey, of the Homer Harvey 5K, was a mentor who told her, “Judy, you can do anything you want to do.” That encouragement mattered. Judy also became connected with Sue Young, the choral director at District 28, who believed in modeling for children that singing can be a lifelong passion. Judy participated in the Y'All Come Choir Choir for 14 years and performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

Judy also served on Northfield Township’s Youth Commission, supporting the healthcare and social needs of children in the community. In 1988, a neighbor started a children’s program at the Historical Society. When students began visiting in 1989, Judy met with them and shared stories about the community. After her time on the school board, she joined the board of the Historical Society and eventually became its president.

Judy is passionate about telling Northbrook’s story. She literally wrote the book on Northbrook and also wrote and produced a television program that aired on WTTW. Much of this work supported Northbrook’s Centennial celebration. One lasting gift from that effort is the fountain on the Village Green. Every time we pass it, we should think about Judy Hughes and all she has done for our community. 

And Judy didn’t stop there. Former Village President Mark Damisch invited Judy and 19 others to a meeting to discuss promoting the arts in Northbrook. When she left that meeting, she was president of the Arts Commission. That’s true. As we walk through Art in the Park each summer, we should remember that this was Judy’s work. As Judy has said, Art in the Park isn’t just about art—it brings people into our community.

Judy has also served on the Economic Development Commission, the Downtown Commission, and the Plan Commission. She was a long and distinguished member of the Northbrook Rotary and earned the Governor’s Service Award.

Still, Judy doesn’t stop. She has said she’s drawn to spending time with like-minded people and is deeply involved in genealogy. Through that work, she uncovered a powerful and difficult family history—learning that some of her ancestors were African Americans enslaved by her own ancestors in North Carolina. Rather than hiding from that uncomfortable history, Judy has chosen to talk about it, bring it to light, and teach others.

Just yesterday at a Chamber dinner, people were talking about how much change our community has seen. Judy spoke about the library referendum years ago, when the people of the town decided it needed a real library instead of a reading room in Village Hall. What is now the Katz Eye building became our first library. Today our library is one of the most beloved places in town.

Judy, you are inspirational. You are a champion for women, and you are a champion for our community. When I became Village President, I wanted to do something special to recognize people who make Northbrook better. That’s why we created a Key to the Village.

Judy, this Key symbolizes community. You are a valued member of Northbrook. Your achievements bring people together. Your leadership inspires action. Your contributions strengthen our Village, and we are deeply grateful for your service. 


Our thoughts are with her friends and family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Click here to learn more about the Key to the Village Recognition.