Judy Baar Topinka

Judy Baar Topinka is being remembered as a trailblazer, dedicated public servant, and engaging personality.

The longtime politician, who lived in Riverside, the same town she was born in, was the first woman in Illinois history to serve in two state constitutional offices – treasurer and comptroller.

She died Wednesday, Dec. 10, less than 24 hours after suffering a stroke. She was 70 years old.

Of all the heartfelt praises and remembrances of the political powerhouse and former journalist, an overlay on the Illinois Comptroller’s Office site may have summed it up best.
The overlay simply reads, “We love you Judy 1944-2014” next to a picture of an energetic Topinka at a state event.

She had rock star status in Illinois politics, with only her first name necessary for everyone to know of whom you were speaking.

Judy was sworn in as comptroller on Jan. 10, 2011 and was re-elected to the post just last month. She was the Republican nominee for governor in 2006, but lost in the general election to Rod Blagojevich.

She had a career of political firsts. Besides being the first Illinois woman to hold two statewide offices, she was also the first woman to be Illinois treasurer the first woman to be the state GOP’s nominee for governor, the first Illinois treasurer to be re-elected three times, and the first Illinois woman to be re-elected to statewide office.

Topinka was able to be a political force, while having her irons in a multitude of fires – many of which gave her no political gain, such as quietly creating the Smart Women, Smart Money Educational Foundation, helping women with acquiring a mortgage and other financial issues. She also helped many young politicians, including House Republican leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs, learn the ropes.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my good friend, Judy Baar Topinka” Durkin said. “Judy was supportive of me from the time I ran for school board in the western suburbs in the early 1990s to now as House Republican leader.

“She was a mentor and a tireless campaigner for so many of us. Whenever she entered a room, all attention shifted to her because she was larger than life, and could always make us laugh.”

Durkin noted that it was always clear where Topinka stood on an issue; “waffling” was not in her vocabulary.

“When it came to governing, Judy was a straight shooter who called it like it was,” Durkin said. “You knew where she stood on any issue, and could always take her at her word. She loved public service and wanted only the best for Illinois. She will be greatly missed.”

Topinka was born to small-business owners who taught her the importance of living within one’s means and managing money. She was a 1962 graduate of Ferry Hall High School in Lake Forest and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966 from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She became a reporter for several suburban newspapers, rising through the ranks and becoming an editor.

She ran for state representative in 1980. She served two terms in the House before running for Senate, where she served for a decade.
Topinka also was Riverside Township Republican committeewoman, a post she held for many years.

“In spite of the time constraints associated with her official duties, she showed the position the same dedication that she brought to all of her endeavors,” said Aaron Del Mar, chairman of the Cook County Republican Party. “She continued to chair regular meetings, organize local activities and host events like her Riverside Lincoln Day Dinner.

“She was so much more than her titles to so many of us. She will be sorely missed here at home and in Springfield. Her unwavering dedication to public service, ethics and solutions to Illinois’ problems will be impossible to replace.”