Judy Markey Dies at 82: Beloved Chicago Radio Host Remembered for Her Wit and Honesty
Judy Markey, the pioneering Chicago broadcaster best known as one half of WGN Radio’s popular “Kathy and Judy” team, has died at the age of 82.
Markey died in Switzerland on September 11 after choosing a voluntary assisted death. She had been living with a degenerative neurological disorder that increasingly affected her balance, mobility and quality of life. According to her family, she made the decision after careful consideration and remained firm in her desire to determine the circumstances of her death. (chicago.suntimes.com)
A Groundbreaking Career in Chicago Radio
Markey became a familiar voice to generations of Chicago listeners through “The Kathy and Judy Show,” which she co-hosted with Kathy O’Malley on WGN-AM 720.
The weekday call-in program ran from 1989 until 2009 before returning as a weekend show from 2013 to 2017. Markey and O’Malley, affectionately known to listeners as “The Girlfriends,” helped break barriers as the first female hosting team in Chicago radio’s heavily male-dominated talk-show industry. (chicago.suntimes.com)
Their program combined humor, personal stories and frank conversations about subjects that many broadcasters were reluctant to discuss. The hosts’ warmth and honesty built a strong connection with listeners, including many who considered themselves part of the show’s extended community.
From Newspaper Columnist to Radio Favorite
Before moving into broadcasting, Markey worked as a syndicated columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Her engaging writing style, sharp observations and ability to find humor in everyday situations later became defining features of her radio career.
She was recognized by Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and was named among Chicago’s “One Hundred Most Influential Women” and the country’s “Top One Hundred Talk Show Hosts.” (nypost.com)
Humor Until Her Final Moments
Markey’s husband, Tom Collinger, said she faced her final months without fear and continued comforting the people around her.
Her characteristic humor reportedly remained intact until the end. Shortly before her death, she ate a few bites of a Snickers bar and complained of a headache. When Collinger offered her Advil, she joked that she wanted “something a little stronger.”
The remark brought laughter from those gathered with her and reflected the wit that had endeared her to Chicago audiences for decades. Collinger said Markey believed she had lived a life that exceeded her expectations. (chicago.suntimes.com)
Kathy O’Malley Remembers Her Friend
O’Malley paid an emotional tribute to her longtime colleague and close friend, remembering Markey for her intelligence, humor, wisdom and unmistakable personality.
“The last half of my life has been wonderfully brightened by Judy Markey,” O’Malley wrote, adding that Markey’s influence would remain part of the memories of thousands of listeners who felt they knew her despite never meeting her personally. (axios.com)
Markey is survived by her husband, Tom Collinger; her daughter, Erin Markey; her son, Adam Markey; her stepson, Zach Collinger; her stepdaughter, Kate Collinger Buxton; her son-in-law, Pat Buxton; and two grandchildren.
Her death closes a memorable chapter in Chicago broadcasting, but the honesty, laughter and companionship she brought to the airwaves will remain an enduring part of the city’s radio history.
