'Judy's Blues' Celebrates Life Of Village Employee, Raises Money

PLAINFIELD, IL — Before she passed away in March, Judy Bitterman-Gettys made her wishes clear. "She didn't want a funeral with people standing around being sad," husband Don Gettys told Patch. Instead, he hosted an event that he knew his late wife would have enjoyed: Judy's Blues Chicken and Beer Fest, complete with live music, beer and food courtesy of Nabby's.

Earlier this month, Don presented a donation for $5,143.75 to the Edward Foundation, earmarked for the Edward Cancer Center in Plainfield, where Judy received treatment after her diagnosis in early 2017.

Longtime Plainfield residents, Don and Judy are well known in the village, where Judy worked in the water department from 2004 until 2017.

• Related: Donation honors long-time village employee Judy Bitterman-Gettys

"If you've ever paid a water bill in the village, you've probably talked to Judy," Don said. The couple also volunteered with Plainfield Community Television in the 1990s and early 2000s, and Judy served as secretary for the organization.

Don said he retired in January 2017, and Judy was diagnosed with cancer just weeks later. The couple's home was just a short drive from the Edward Cancer Center, and after she passed away on St. Patrick's Day of this year, Don wanted to do something to help other patients who might be making a longer trek.

"I was always impressed with the way people at Edward Cancer Center treated her," he said. "We realized we were very lucky."

Don said he decided to host a fundraiser to raise money for the facility. "Judy's Blues" took place Sept. 8 at the Plainfield American Legion post, and was intended as a celebration of Judy's life.

"I decided to do what Judy would have liked and have a party," Don said. The celebration included food, raffles and live music from Skip Griparis — a Joliet native and vocal impressionist who co-starred in the "Major League" movies — and Wrong Bongos.

"I wanted to give something back to the people at (Edward Cancer Center). That's not an easy job," Don said. "We had some fun, too."

Donations can still be made in Judy's name through the Edward Foundation.

Photo of Judy Bitterman-Gettys via Don Gettys/Donation photo: Michael Gettys (left), Dr. Matthew Siegel, Don Gettys, Brett Skeen of the Edward Foundation and (front) Kain Gettys.