Obituary of Judith Joyce Freeman

The world lost Judith Joyce Standerfer Cisco Freeman on March 7, 2024, in Mesa, AZ. She was born in Pekin, IL, on November 12, 1940, to Velma Lucille (Queen) and Joseph Earl Standerfer. Judy leaves behind her loving children, daughter Amanda Cisco (Kevin Zavadil), of Bernalillo, NM, and son Daniel Cisco (Susan Cisco), of Florence, AZ; granddaughter Hannah Kent (Holden) and grandson Zachary Cisco (Samantha). She is survived by loving nieces Sally Jo (Alabama) and Susan and nephew Rik (Illinois). She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Freeman, parents, sisters Joann (Weiman) and Dorothy (Duttarer), and brothers Edwin, Gene, and Richard Standerfer.

Judy grew up in Bartonville, IL, and attended Limestone Community High School and Bartonville Methodist Church. She married her high school sweetheart in 1958. In 1979, she moved with her first husband and children to Tucson, AZ. She loved the desert, the plants and creatures, and all the beautiful sunshine. Judy’s smile could make anyone feel welcome. She loved to laugh and visit. She made the best birthday cakes for her children, well into their 50s. Judy was a pie baker extraordinaire. Her apple pie was epic, the best any of us ever had or will have. Judy loved to create beautiful spaces, and her homes were warm and hospitable, especially her home in Florence, AZ, where she lived for almost 12 years. She made get-togethers special.

She enjoyed visits with her daughter in New Mexico, where they did two of their favorite activities, traveled and cooked together. Judy helped compile the Cisco Family Cookbook with the family’s finest dishes, including all manner of midwestern wonders like Grandma Standerfer’s Corn Fritters and Luscious Lemon Salad made with Mountain Dew and mini marshmallows. She delighted in the Saturday nights spent at her son’s home in the desert, sitting by the fire, eating ribs or fish tacos, playing games, bringing her crowd-pleasing cheesy potatoes for all, and listening to the dogs howl along with the coyotes in unison.

Judy was the first person the public saw when they walked into the Pima County Sheriff’s Department office. After 19 years of service there, she retired with commendations and the respect of her coworkers.

It takes a village of care when someone becomes ill. We would like to thank all those people who made her life better. To neighbors Diane, Donald, Pam, Janet, Donna, Bill, and Verna—thank you for your friendship and for looking after Judy. She was so appreciative! To Barb—we thank you for all the love, friendship, and caregiving you provided. We are deeply grateful for your devotion. To the Las Palomas Team–Tera, Rachel, Patty, Conchita, Cami, Sten, Roland, Jazz, and Everyone who contributed–thank you for providing Judy with the comfort, safety, and belonging she needed, and with such great humor and kindness. To the Noble Hospice Team—Megan, Jesse, Ian, and Faryn—thank you for providing the comfort, care, and conversations Judy needed and enjoyed. And to the many friends and family who supported the family through this difficult time—a deep bow of gratitude. They needed you, and you were there.

We hope that on this next leg of her journey, Judy is laughing (especially with her friend Irma about all the things), happy, healthy, peaceful, and enjoying the company of all those who passed before her and who she couldn’t wait to see again, including her beloved dogs. Judy (aka Granny, Mama, Mother, Aunt) will be missed.