{"id":36275,"date":"2026-09-22T22:59:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T17:59:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pni.net.pk\/us\/?p=36275"},"modified":"2026-09-22T22:59:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T17:59:54","slug":"chicago-radio-pioneer-remembered-for-her-humor-courage-and-candor-dead-at-82","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pni.net.pk\/us\/chicago-radio-pioneer-remembered-for-her-humor-courage-and-candor-dead-at-82\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Radio Pioneer Remembered for Her Humor, Courage and Candor Dead at 82"},"content":{"rendered":"

Judy Markey Dead at 82: Chicago Radio Pioneer Remembered for Her Humor, Courage and Candor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Judy Markey, the trailblazing Chicago broadcaster who entertained generations of listeners as one half of WGN Radio\u2019s celebrated \u201cKathy and Judy\u201d team, has died at the age of 82.<\/p>\n

Markey died in Switzerland on September 11 after choosing a voluntary assisted death. She had been living with a degenerative neurological condition that progressively affected her balance, movement and overall quality of life.<\/p>\n

After carefully considering her declining health, Markey decided that she wanted to determine when and how her life would end. Her loved ones said she remained composed and certain about her decision.<\/p>\n

A Pioneering Voice on Chicago Radio<\/strong><\/p>\n

Markey became one of Chicago\u2019s most recognizable radio personalities through \u201cThe Kathy and Judy Show,\u201d which she presented alongside Kathy O\u2019Malley on WGN-AM 720.<\/p>\n

The weekday call-in program debuted in 1989 and remained on the air until 2009. Markey and O\u2019Malley later reunited for a weekend edition that ran from 2013 to 2017.<\/p>\n

Known affectionately as \u201cThe Girlfriends,\u201d the pair made broadcasting history as Chicago\u2019s first female radio-hosting team at a time when talk radio was overwhelmingly dominated by men.<\/p>\n

Their natural chemistry, lively exchanges and willingness to speak openly about everyday life attracted a devoted audience. Listeners turned to the show not only for entertainment but also for companionship and honest conversation.<\/p>\n

The program could move effortlessly from amusing personal stories to serious and sometimes sensitive issues. Markey and O\u2019Malley\u2019s candid approach helped create a community in which listeners felt comfortable sharing their own experiences.<\/p>\n

A Writer Before Becoming a Broadcaster<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before establishing herself on the radio, Markey worked as a syndicated columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.<\/p>\n

Her newspaper columns demonstrated the same intelligence, humor and eye for ordinary human behavior that would later define her broadcasting career. She possessed a rare ability to transform simple moments into memorable stories that resonated with readers and listeners alike.<\/p>\n

Markey\u2019s contribution to journalism and broadcasting earned significant recognition. She was inducted into Northwestern University\u2019s Medill Hall of Achievement and was named among Chicago\u2019s \u201cOne Hundred Most Influential Women\u201d and the nation\u2019s \u201cTop One Hundred Talk Show Hosts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her Humor Remained Until the End<\/strong><\/p>\n

Markey\u2019s husband, Tom Collinger, said she faced her final months without fear. Even as her physical health deteriorated, she continued to reassure and comfort the people closest to her.<\/p>\n

Her trademark sense of humor also remained with her until her final moments.<\/p>\n

Shortly before her death, Markey ate a few bites of a Snickers bar and mentioned having a headache. When Collinger asked whether she wanted some Advil, she replied that she wanted \u201csomething a little stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

The comment drew laughter from those in the room and offered one final example of the quick wit that had delighted Chicago radio listeners for decades.<\/p>\n

According to Collinger, Markey believed that her life had exceeded everything she once imagined for herself. She approached its conclusion with the same honesty and determination that had characterized her career.<\/p>\n

Kathy O\u2019Malley Pays Emotional Tribute<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kathy O\u2019Malley remembered her longtime broadcasting partner as a brilliant, funny and wise woman whose personality left a lasting impression on everyone around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last half of my life has been wonderfully brightened by Judy Markey,\u201d O\u2019Malley wrote in a moving tribute.<\/p>\n

She said Markey\u2019s humor, attitude, intelligence and wisdom would remain part of her memories and those of thousands of listeners who felt a personal connection to the broadcaster, even if they had never met her.<\/p>\n

Family and Lasting Legacy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Markey is survived by her husband, Tom Collinger; daughter Erin Markey; son Adam Markey; stepson Zach Collinger; stepdaughter Kate Collinger Buxton; son-in-law Pat Buxton; and two grandchildren.<\/p>\n

Her death marks the end of an important era in Chicago broadcasting. However, her groundbreaking career, fearless honesty and ability to find humor in the most ordinary moments will continue to be remembered.<\/p>\n

For the many people who welcomed Markey\u2019s voice into their homes, cars and workplaces, she was more than a radio host. She was a trusted companion whose warmth and laughter became part of their daily lives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Judy Markey Dead at 82: Chicago Radio Pioneer Remembered for Her Humor, Courage and Candor Judy Markey, the trailblazing Chicago broadcaster who entertained generations of listeners as one half of WGN Radio\u2019s celebrated \u201cKathy and Judy\u201d team, has died at the age of 82. Markey died in Switzerland on September 11 after choosing a voluntary […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36276,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36275","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-memorial"],"yoast_head":"\nChicago Radio Pioneer Remembered for Her Humor, Courage and Candor Dead at 82<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Judy Markey Dead at 82: Chicago Radio Pioneer Remembered for Her Humor, Courage and Candor Judy Markey, the trailblazing Chicago broadcaster who\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/pni.net.pk\/us\/chicago-radio-pioneer-remembered-for-her-humor-courage-and-candor-dead-at-82\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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