Judith A Hartegan

Our beloved sister Judith “Judy/Jude” A. Hartegan passed away peacefully at home on August 29, 2026 surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness.

She was born on July 11, 1944 in Carrollton, MO to Sterling Eugene Peel and Helen A. Bell Peel.

She married Edward “Ed” Hartegan on September 8, 1972 in Overland Park, KS. He passed away on March 17, 2018. Survivors include three sisters, Sandy Griffin, Doris (Russell) Frame, Janis Deveney (Joe), one brother, Michael (Monica) Peel; step- mother, Rose Marie Lindeken, stepsisters Karen and Debbie Gottesburen; children, Debbie Newton (Bob), Brian Hartegan (Lea Ann); five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ed, son Steven Hartegan, and brother-in-law, Duane Griffin.

Judy worked for Kansas Gas Service management in both Kansas City and Topeka for many years before retiring. Post retirement, Judy attended both Johnson County Community College and Park University, Parkville, MO, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design in 2003. Judy graciously volunteered for many years at multiple organizations and churches. She was a faithful member of Beta Sigma Phi for over 62 years where she held various board positions and for over 15 years for Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas (formerly ERC Resource and Referral), Topeka, Kansas. Judy was also an active Topeka community member.

Judy was a cofounder of the of the Jakmel Community Empowerment Foundation (JCEF) for the Jakmel Ekspresyon Continuing Education Center in Jacmel, Haiti and one of the original board members, a position she held until her death. She was very passionate about supporting her niece, Susan Frame, in her role as founder and director of this organization which provides a space which blends creativity, technology, science and culture to support youth in creating a new future.

Judy enjoyed the arts, interior design, reading, travel, Bunco, board games, animals, but most of all spending time with her family and many friends. She was extremely loyal and trustworthy in her relationships, always willing to lend assistance, and very appreciative. Judy was strong in her convictions and was willing to share her beliefs on multiple issues. One of her favorite phrases to family members when discussing sensitive topics was, “Do your research on more than one site!”

Judy was a devoted and loving wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She frequently made hand-crafted quilts and blankets and gifted them to relatives, neighbors and friends. Very recently, Judy expressed that she was extremely blessed to have such caring and loving family members and friends. Judy will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of giving, sharing, gratitude, and zest for life will continue to encourage everyone she leaves behind.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on September 11, 2026 at Dove Cremations, 3700 Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS, 66610. Inurnment will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd St. & Quivera Rd., Lenexa, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jakmel Community Empowerment Foundation by mailing a check payable to JCEF, 1148 North Ave, Batavia, IL 60510 or Sertoma Evening Club of Topeka, c/o Ruth Mahon, 3624 SE Tomahawk Dr., Tecumseh, KS 66542.

To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com