Judith Lynn Kalleberg

Judith (“Judy”) Lynn Johansen Kalleberg—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend—passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She died in her sleep after spending a memorable evening at home surrounded by her children and their spouses, grandchildren, and husband.

Born on March 26, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York, Judy was the daughter of Fred and Ruth Johansen, both immigrants from Norway. Judy and her siblings took great pride in their Norwegian heritage. She was the youngest of six children (older sisters Ragna, Florence, and Alice, and brothers Johan and Olaf, who loved to tease her). They called her baby Judy.

Judy graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn before attending Wagner College on Staten Island, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1972. A few days later (June 3), she married her “love buddy,” Arne Kalleberg. Arne immigrated from Norway as a child and, like Judy, attended youth groups at the Norwegian-American Lutheran Church on 59th street in Brooklyn. The newly married couple moved to Wisconsin so Arne could pursue his doctorate in sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; while there, Judy continued her studies, earning a master’s degree in education.

Arne’s first job was at Indiana University, so he and Judy moved to Bloomington, Indiana, which would be their home from 1975-1985. Their three children—Kathryn, Jonathan, and Kari—were born Hoosiers but would become Tarheels when the Kalleberg family relocated to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Judy spent the last 40 years of her life under the Carolina blue sky. She and Arne filled over five decades of marriage with devotion, laughter, and shared adventures as they traveled the world.

Once her three children were school-aged, Judy began her teaching career. She inspired countless students as an educator at Carrboro Elementary School, Chapel Hill High School, and Carrboro High School. She taught Women’s Studies and ELP (economics, legal and political) and was known as an approachable and engaging teacher who was often described as simply “cool.” After almost 20 years of teaching, Judy retired, fully embracing her role as “Boppy” to her grandchildren instead of “Mrs. K” to her students. She was exceedingly proud of her five “barnebarn”: Elise and Margit (Kathryn), Jack (Jonathan and Heather), and Morgan and Maeve (Kari and Brian Hewat). She cherished the time she spent with them and delighted in their growth, curiosity, and joy. She also treasured her many nieces and nephews, and they, in return, adored her.

Outside of her professional and family life, Judy embraced her passions wholeheartedly. She loved spending time on the water, especially piloting her pontoon boat, “Judy’s Beauty,” across Hyco Lake. She and Arne spent countless summers and weekends at “the Lake,” where they created a welcoming retreat for family and friends. Judy was always up for new lake adventures, be they wind surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking. She also found joy in reading, taking walks, coffee, wine, and knitting. Perhaps most of all, though, she loved decorating (and then redecorating!) spaces to make things look “just right.”

Judy will be remembered for her generosity, sense of humor, deep love for her family, and her ability to make everyone feel valued and welcomed. Her presence was a gift to all who knew her, and her absence will be deeply felt by all.

During her final years, as her illness progressed, Arne received help from many wonderful caregivers, which enabled Judy to remain in the home that she loved until she passed away. Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Veronica Stevens at Aegis, Leah Kamau at Carolina Meadows, Rebekah Johnson at Honor Care, Dawne Haley, Tabitha Moffitt and their colleagues at UNC Hospice, and Karen Casey. Their efforts allowed Judy to die the way she lived: with grace. Her funeral service will take place on October 11th at 11:00 AM at Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina—all are welcome.