Springfield — Judith Ann Mathes, 84, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Judith was born Sept. 11, 1940, in Springfield, the daughter of Henry J. and Naomi Brandon Mathes. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Patrick and John Mathes.

Judith graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1958 and DePaul University in Chicago with a bachelor's degree in history. She earned her master's degree in education from the University of Illinois in 1978. In 1960, she made her profession of vows at Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield and took the name Sister Mary Jacob. During her earlier years of ministry, she taught in Catholic parish elementary schools, including in Duluth, Minnesota, and Chicago, Harden and Springfield, Illinois. In 1989, she left the congregation and worked at the Illinois Department of Human Services for over 30 years.

Judith attended the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, was a Springfield Dominican Associates and a member of Wildwood Strings for 10 years. She loved music, her pets, her many ongoing hobbies, and was a wonderful aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Judith is survived by two sisters, Donna M. Mathes and Nancy J. Schull and a brother, Michael Mathes, all of Springfield, three nieces, two nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the chapel at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield, with Rev. Jeff Grant officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials contributions may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL, 62704.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Judith Mathes. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.