Illinois comptroller Topinka dies following stroke

Posted on December 10, 2014

Judy Baar Topinka had served as Illinois Comptroller and previously as state treasurer. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Judy Baar Topinka)

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO – Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka has died, less than 24 hours after having a stroke.  

A statement from her office says the 70-year-old Topinka died early Wednesday morning 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, a Republican, won a second term last month in a tough race with Democratic challenger Sheila Simon, the former lieutenant governor.  

Topinka was a former state treasurer and Illinois GOP chairwoman.  
 

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