Judy Madonia, who served as Springfield treasurer for 20 years, has died
Judith "Judy" Madonia, who served as Springfield city treasurer for 20 years, died Tuesday at a senior living facility in Glen Carbon.
She was 82.
Madonia was elected to three four-year terms in 1991, 1995 and 1999. She was first appointed to the post in 1983 when it was a non-elective office.
She ran unopposed in 1991 and 1995 and defeated former finance commissioner Jim Dunham in 1999.
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A native of Chester, Ill., Madonia was a former teacher in School District 186 before being appointed treasurer.
When Sue Gwillim interviewed for a position in the treasurer's office in 1992, she realized Madonia had been her former art teacher at Fairview Elementary.
"She was super, super professional," said Gwillim, now a senior staff accountant, of Madonia. "She ran a pretty tight office in a good way. I appreciated her honesty. You didn't have to second guess anything with her because she was always big on communication."
Madonia was succeeded in the treasurer's office by Mayor Jim Langfelder in 2003.
"She did great work as treasurer," Langfelder said Monday. "She ran things very effectively and efficiently."
Madonia was a one-time president of the Illinois Municipal Treasurers Association.
Madonia served from 1974 to 1991 on the Lincoln Land Community College board of trustees, including a stint as president.
Her daughter, Mary Ellen "Maria" Madonia, later followed her on the board. Maria Madonia worked for the Illinois House Republicans and for former U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville.
From 1991 to 1998, Judy Madonia was a member of the Illinois Community College Board, having been appointed by Gov. Jim Edgar.
Madonia's late husband, Andy, was a longtime pollster for the Sangamon County Republican Party. He was employed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Financial Institutions. He died in 2013.
Madonia is also survived by a son, Michael, of Corrales, New Mexico, and three grandchildren.
There will be a graveside service at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield on June 24.
This story will be updated.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Judy Madonia, former Springfield treasurer, dies in Glen Carbon, IL
