Judy (McComas) Hafer's Obituary
Judith Claudette (McComas) Hafer was born the second child of James W. and L. Kathryn (Foltz) McComas on February 20,1957 in Mattoon Illinois. She passed away on January 29, 2025 in Ocala, Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and grandparents. She is survived by one brother and sister in-law Stephen C.” Steve” and Karen S. (Miller) McComas of Charleston Illinois as well as the Hafer stepfamily Bill, Stacy, Will, Vada and Diane of West Virginia.
Judy attended Charleston Illinois school system graduating in 1975. She then attended Eastern Illinois University and received a Bachelor of Science degree. After completing her education, she became employed in the hospitality industry at the Holiday Inn in Charleston Illinois. Shortly after, she became employed with Red Lobster Restaurants starting in Decatur, Illinois as a waitress. Being asked to move with the job, she worked and advanced with Red Lobster in Champaign Illinois, Arizona, and Florida, and became a restaurant manager in Columbus Ohio and in Washington, West Virginia. It was there that she met her future husband Woody Hafer. He approached her about hosting a charity event with his Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOGS). From that point their relationship bloomed, and they became husband and wife. There were no children from their union however she became a proud Stepmother and doting Grandmother to Woody’s son and daughter in law, Bill (Stacy) Hafer, and their children Vada Hafer and Will Hafer.
After their marriage, her continued employment and advancement with Red Lobster did not stop. She accepted the position of District Director for Eastern Ohio and Northern West Virginia, managing the daily operations of eight restaurants. During that time Judy contracted lung cancer in one lung and after a difficult and demanding treatment, it went into remission. The expected life expectancy with this condition is approximately five to eight years. The physicians recommended that she have brain radiation also, because if the cancer returned it would go directly to her brain and there would be no recourse, so she agreed.
Some years later, she retired from the Red Lobster corporation to spend time with her husband in Belpre Ohio. After Woody passed away, she decided to return to Florida where she enjoyed the climate. Approximately 25 years later, we believe that through the passing of time and weakening of the effect of the radiation, the cancer did return to the brain and this is what ultimately caused her death. She suffered no pain during this period and the physicians did warn that the older she became cognitive issues would present themselves and they did, close to the end of her life. All the while throughout her life she cared for herself, took responsibility for herself, was self-sufficient and was never limited by, “it can’t be done”. She always found a way to do it. This includes all the moves throughout the United States that she did by herself. It is important to mention that even though death is eventually expected for all, Judy’s passing occurred on the date of her husband Woody’s birthday, what an eloquent parting.
After years of eating out, Judy and Woody often spoke in “jest” of opening a restaurant together. They didn’t know if it would serve three meals a day or just one, the evening meal. They had never worked out all the details but from the beginning they had the perfect name “I don’t know, and I don’t care” which cured the ongoing dilemma, where do you want to eat dear?
Judy was a member and regular attendee of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in Oxford, FL where she played the keyboard with the praise band. Judy leaves behind many friends, especially those in Sumter County, FL.
After cremation her remains will be returned to Charleston Illinois and privately be laid to rest next to her father in the Linder section of Mound Cemetery.
To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or share memories, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL, is assisting with the arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of Judy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judy?
Share a story where Judy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judy you’ll never forget.
How did Judy make you smile?