Former Mary, Seat of Wisdom Principal Judith Ann Schutter Dies At 64

Judith Ann Schutter (nee Olsen) 64, died July 10, 2012 of complications from a twelve year battle with stage four breast cancer.

Preceded in death by her one and only love, her husband, George Schutter, and by her faithful parents, Roger and Genevieve Olsen (nee McCormick). Survived by her adoring children, George (Susan) Schutter, Jennie (Mark) Amato, and Mary (Charles) Roelle; loving siblings, Janellen (Lionel) Chartier, Daniel (Marianne) Olsen, Carla (Michael) Hickey, and Mary Olsen; fond sister-in-law of Anna Marie Schutter; left to always cherish in Amma's memory are Mary Genevieve, Ava, Judith, Katie, Charlie, and Tommy; and dear aunt of  Regine, Bill, Amanda, Carrie, Erin, Michael, James (Stephanie), Alicia, Christine, Emily, Bryan, and Jeremiah; and caring  friend to countless.

Judy's life was centered by her Catholic faith and she was committed to Catholic education. She shared her love of God with tens of thousands of children spanning her nearly forty year career in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Judy worked at St. Jude the Apostle School in South Holland where she taught junior high students Math and then served as the director of Religious Education. She shared her love of theology and taught Religion at Seton Academy in South Holland.

Judy served as principal to three schools, Notre Dame High School for Girls in Chicago, inaugural Principal of Cardinal Joseph Bernadin school in Orland Hills, and recently retired from Mary, Seat of Wisdom School in Park Ridge.

As the dynamic and charismatic educator she was, she achieved the prestigious United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award to not one, but to two schools she served as principal; Cardinal Joseph Bernandin School and Mary, Seat of Wisdom School. Judy graduated from DePaul University and went on to achieve two Master's degrees, one in Religious Studies from Mundelein College and one in Educational Administration from Governor's State University. Judy had a zest for life.

Even battling cancer, it never slowed her down. She continued her love for travel and set out for many adventures with her family and friends world wide.  Anyone who met her knows that she had a contagious personality and that the world was a better place with her in it. She was forever grateful to her doctors, nurses, caregivers, and researchers who devoted their time to her care.  We can all know with confidence now that she is praying for all those who have cared for her and touched her life.

She was a gracious host in all aspects of life where she treated every day as a celebration of life always putting her guests' needs ahead of hers.

Because of Judy's always giving personality and empathy for those with cancer, in lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Genevieve Olsen Memorial Scholarship Fund or The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University specifically for Dr. Gradishar's continued research to end breast cancer.

Visitation Friday July 13, from  3 to 9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m.at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Church, 920 Granville Ave. (at Cumberland), Park Ridge, IL 60068. Interment private at a later date. Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home, Park Ridge. 847-823-5122 and Online Guestbook www.nelsonfunerals.com