**Beloved Radio Host Judy Markey Chooses Medical Aid in Dying in Switzerland**
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Judy Markey, a cherished figure in Chicago radio and a former host at WGN Radio, has made the profound choice to end her life through medical aid in dying after enduring a debilitating neurological condition. The 82-year-old passed away on September 11 following her journey to Switzerland, a country where this practice has been lawful since 1942. Her decision coincided with a significant moment in Illinois, as the state legalised medical aid in dying just one day after her passing.
Markey’s long-time co-host, Kathy O’Malley, shared the news on-air, expressing the deep bond they had built throughout their careers together. “Judy wanted to die on her own terms,” O’Malley noted, highlighting the dignity with which Markey faced her health struggles. According to her obituary, Markey made this choice after experiencing a period of decline in health, stating it was a decision she had long supported and deeply believed in.
The practice of medical aid in dying allows individuals facing terminal conditions to choose to end their lives with prescribed medication, which they then administer themselves. This contrasts with euthanasia, which remains illegal in the United States. Currently, MAID is legal in several states across the US—including California, Hawaii, and New Jersey—making the case of Markey a poignant reflection on the complexities and regional disparities surrounding end-of-life choices.
Upon facing significant health challenges over the years, Markey opted for Switzerland as her destination for this choice. Kathy O’Malley explained that she had been aware of Markey’s intentions for over a year. “Her body was really failing,” O’Malley recounted. Those close to Markey observed her struggles and gradual decline, which influenced her decision to avoid a prolonged suffering process.
“Judy and I have been strong advocates for medical aid in dying for many years,” O’Malley stated. “She was determined not to allow her illness to linger for a decade.” O’Malley warmly remembered her friend’s courage, celebrating the “selflessness” of Markey’s decision, saying she wholeheartedly supported her friend and exclaimed, “You go, girl!”
The duo had a significant public presence on the “Kathy and Judy Show,” known fondly to listeners as “The Girlfriends,” a title reflecting their close friendship and rapport on air. The show, which aired from 1989 to 2009, enjoyed a successful revival from 2013 to 2017. Their chemistry and engaging conversations made them a staple of Chicago radio and endeared them to loyal fans.
Judy Markey’s husband, Tom Collinger, described her final days as filled with a remarkable sense of peace, noting that she expressed no fear about her impending death. He fondly recalled her consuming a Snickers bar shortly before passing, sharing a light-hearted moment where she joked about needing something stronger than a headache remedy. “In the end, she was comforting others,” he reflected, which highlighted Markey’s enduring spirit and the love that surrounded her until the very end.
Markey’s death has sparked conversation in Illinois, particularly with the state legalising medical aid in dying shortly after her passing. Former WGN producer Beth Swierk remarked on-air that Markey “was ahead of her time” in her decision, underscoring the implications her choice has for encouraging broader acceptance and understanding of MAID as an option for those with terminal illnesses.
Through her bravery in confronting her terminal illness and her advocacy for the rights of individuals to choose their end-of-life options, Markey leaves behind a legacy rooted in compassion, courage, and a commitment to living life on her own terms. The resonance of her decision will undoubtedly prompt ongoing discussions surrounding the ethical and legislative considerations of medical aid in dying both in Illinois and beyond.