Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka has died, less than 24 hours after having a stroke.
A statement from her office says Topinka, 70, died early today following complications from the stroke.
She’d reported discomfort and was admitted to a hospital in Berwyn. After undergoing testing, she lost consciousness Wednesday and was pronounced dead shortly after 2 a.m.
Topinka was a former state treasurer and Illinois GOP chairwoman. She ran for governor in 2006 and lost to then-incumbent Rod Blagojevich.
“People really liked Judy,” Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon said Wednesday in eulogizing Topinka.
Topinka defeated Simon in the election for comptroller last month.
“She was herself. She was genuine,” continues Simon, “whether it was talking about pet adoption or the clothes that she bought at yard sales. She was herself and not a slick, packaged product of media consultants.”
“This day and age in politics, everybody’s afraid to tell it like it is,” lamented Springfield Ward 6 Ald. Cory Jobe, deputy chief of staff in the comptroller’s office. Jobe, saying Topinka was the exception, counts her as a political mentor. They met during his unsuccessful statehouse race in the mid 1990’s.
A political consultant and former newsman points out Topinka’s penchant for thrift.
“My wife was walking the dog several months ago,” Thom Serafin said, “and there was Judy Baar Topinka, coming out of an estate sale.”
Statement from Governor Pat Quinn:
“Today is a sad day in the state of Illinois. I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend, Judy Baar Topinka. As the first female Treasurer of Illinois and a longtime public servant, Judy was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Never without her signature sense of humor, Judy was a force of nature. She left her mark on the state she has called home her entire life. Her leadership improved Illinois and paved the way for countless women in politics. My deepest sympathies go out to Judy’s son, Joe, daughter-in-law Christina, granddaughter Alexandra, her family, friends and devoted staff. Today the entire state mourns the loss of one of the greats. Judy Baar Topinka will be incredibly missed.”
Statement from Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner:
“Early this morning, Illinois lost one of its all-time greats. Comptroller Topinka’s magnetic, one-of-a-kind personality brought a smile to everyone she met, and she had a servant’s heart, always only caring about what was best for the people of our state. Judy was a tremendous friend, and Diana and I will miss her deeply. We offer our heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family, including son Joseph, as well as her talented and loyal team in the Comptroller’s office.”
Statement from U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville):
“Words cannot express how much Judy Baar Topinka meant to the state of Illinois, how much we will miss her, and how much we will miss her leadership. Her constant professionalism, passion for serving the people of Illinois, honesty, and sense of humor truly set her apart from all other elected officials. Judy was one of those legendary, all-time greats, and will be impossible to replace. Shannon and I offer our deepest sympathies and will keep her family, friends and staff in our thoughts and prayers.”