Judy M. Douglas, 81, of Madison, formerly of Monroe; and Tecumseh and Lincoln, Neb., died Sunday, June 28, 2020, at Oak Park Place in Madison.

Born Oct. 25, 1938, in Tecumseh daughter of Helen and Judson Benjamin Douglas Jr. Graduated from Tecumseh (Neb.) High School and the U of N – Lincoln, where she earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She married John McElhaney on Jan. 21, 1961; they had two daughters and divorced in 1976. Judy was active in the community, helping found Ding-a-Dong nursery school at St. John's United Church of Christ, participating in plays with Monroe Theater Guild and in Monroe Woman's Club activities. She enjoyed teaching college English, high school French, piano and swimming. She enjoyed music, art, reading and animals, especially cats, dogs and horses.

Survived by brother, Paul of Tecumseh; sister-in-law, Joyce Douglas of Lincoln; daughters, Jean McElhaney of Auckland, New Zealand, and Kathi (McElhaney) Edwards of Rockford, Ill.; and an amazing circle of loving friends.

Predeceased by parents; grandparents; and brother, Jud.

Her warm smile will be greatly missed. She kept a positive attitude and a focus on forgiveness, gratitude, faith and love despite many challenges. Some sayings that were very "Mom" included "don't let anyone should you" and "God loves us and wants us to be happy."

Thank you to OPP and Agrace Hospice for their care.

Memorial services TBD at Arbor Covenant Church, Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the church, Threshold Singers or Madison Mounted Police.