Judith A. (Judy Barrington) McDaniel was born in New London, Wis., April 29, 1941, to the late Ward (Pete) Barrington and Margaret Collier Barrington. She passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021, following a strong fight against cancer and kidney disease.
She graduated in 1959 from New London High School and remained actively involved with each of her class reunions. She would be considered by many to be New London’s historian, and it was almost impossible to name someone she did not know. Judy truly loved life and our family and community matriarch inspired everyone around her. She married Kenneth Fields on April 23, 1960, and later divorced. They remained close friends until his passing in December 2014. They were the parents of Shane, Troy and Leah and an infant son Kenneth Jr. who passed away at birth. She married James (Mac) McDaniel on May 30, 1995, at Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. They renewed their vows on their 10th anniversary with Father Robert Kollath at Shane and Mary’s lake home. Judy was employed by Hamilton & Sons for 15 years where she served as Union Secretary. Her union life was important to her. She was later employed at Simmons Juvenile Products for 25 years where she served the union as President, Business Agent, Social Security Steward and Union Steward. She was one of the first women to be appointed by the International Union as a facilitator for the Women of Steel. After retiring from Simmons, she became a car salesperson for Northport Motors. Judy was passionate about serving the community. She served on the board of directors for the New London Library and Museum. She was a member of the New London Heritage Historical Society, serving as Secretary for the historical society village and for the Thern Farm. Judy was a charter member of the Shamrock Club, announcing the annual parade and emceeing the family program for many years. She was one of the first members of the Wolf River Theatrical Troupe and in charge of all performance reservations. She served many years on the Town of Mukwa Election Board, and she was an active participant in the Red Hats Society. Judy was extremely proud of her Irish heritage, and she visited Ireland on four occasions.
She is survived by three children: son Shane (Mary) Fields, New Berlin; son Troy (Leanne) Fields, New London; and daughter Leah Looker, Waupaca; and six grandchildren: Brady Looker, Garrett (Arielle) Fields, Morgan Fields, Madeline (special friend Bryce) Fields, McKenna Looker and Gavin Fields. She was also the proud Great-Grandma of Philip Fields (son of Garrett and Ari). She is further survived by sisters and brothers: Mike (Ruth) Barrington (New London), Suzi Snyder (New London), Margie (John) Kloehn (Shawano), Dan (Melanie) Barrington (Green Bay), Tom/Mooch (Judi) Barrington (New London), Kathy (Russ) Laczniak (Ames, Iowa) and Joan (Steve) Malliet (New London) and many cherished nieces and nephews and their children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim (Mac), previous husband Ken, infant son Kenneth Jr., brother and sister-in-law David (Fluff) and Bonnie Barrington, brother-in-law Peter Snyder, in-laws, Roy and Carol Fields and Hank and Ruth McDaniel, son-in-law Scott Looker, special cousin Jane Key, special niece Sara Young, and special granddaughter Allison Fields (daughter of Troy and Leanne).
Judy’s family was instrumental in starting the week-long St. Patrick’s events in New London in which New London is named “New Dublin.” On her tombstone it states, “Never Silent, Never Quiet—Wherever She Is There Is a Riot,” the inscription that was next to her class picture when she graduated.
Visitation for Judy will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, 209 W. Cook. St., New London and also at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 712 S. Pearl St., New London on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 712 S. Pearl St., New London, with Fr. Robert Kollath (brother-in-law of Shane and Mary) and Fr. John Kleinschmidt co-officiating. The service will be available for viewing via live stream and will also be recorded for viewing following the service. Burial will follow at Most Precious Blood Catholic Cemetery, New London. A celebration of life luncheon for Judy’s family and friends will be held at Crystal Falls, New London, immediately following the burial. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The New London Heritage Historical Society and the New London Public Library. Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com
A special thank you to the many family, friends and close-knit neighbors and the care team with ThedaCare Home Hospice for their support to Judy and her family.