Judge's mother, slain in Chicago, recalled

LITTLETON, Colo. -- Donna Humphrey, the slain mother of a federal judge, was remembered at a funeral service yesterday as a bright and inquisitive woman who was active in her church and gave her time to charity.

Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow held back tears as she entered St. James Presbyterian church outside Denver and walked past large photographs of her mother and her husband, Michael, who were killed last month in an apparent attempt to get even with the judge.

Although the man apparently responsible for the slayings has committed suicide, precautions were taken. At least a dozen US marshals were stationed around the church, and a mobile police command center was set up.

Humphrey, who resided in suburban Denver, and Michael Lefkow were found by the judge in the basement of her Chicago home Feb. 28. Humphrey had been visiting.

''She was an amazing woman," Pastor Patti Anderson said. ''People loved her. She brought a fresh presence wherever she went. She was incredibly bright and incredibly well-read. She was very rich in language, a self-educated woman. Bright, inquisitive, and she didn't settle for easy answers."

Many of Humphrey's poems were posted on the church walls yesterday.

Humphrey had been active for 25 years with Network Ministries, a shelter and church in Denver that helped the homeless and mentally ill, said the Rev. John Hicks, its senior minister.

''It's a place where we get together and love folks," said Hicks, who led the funeral. ''She's been a very good friend."