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 Mary Louise Judge 1931 - 2010 My mom, Mary Judge, was born on December 25, 1931, the second of ten children and the first daughter. We always thought Mom's birthday was extra special, especially since her parents names were Mary and Joseph. Being the eldest daughter, Mom's role was defined as she grew up. She was not only a big sister, but helped with all the household chores required in raising a large family. As such she became like a second mother to many of her younger brothers and sisters, a role that continued all her life. Mom attended Devereaux school in Arras and in the 1950's worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dawson Creek. In 1952 she met a young man from back East, Stanley Judge, who on their second date asked her to marry him. “No way” she said, “I don't even know you.” But a year later, in 1953, they were wed. In 1954, their family began. By 1959, they had four children, three girls and a boy. We lived in Arras in a small three room house. Mom made every occasion a celebration. Birthdays were always special with a fancy supper, a cake and a gift. I remember one Saturday waking up from a nap to the smell of freshly baked bread and also to the sound of Mom and Dad singing. Even then I thought it doesn't get any better than this. In 1966 Mom and Dad moved to Dawson Creek and in 1967 our family was complete with the birth of our youngest brother, Vincent. Mom was largely a stay at home Mom, a career that she filled with great cooking and child rearing. Mom was also a great seamstress. She made most of our clothes as we grew up and made many special dresses for my sisters & others including wedding dresses. Mom had many strengths but two areas that stand out are her family and her faith. Mom's life really centered around these two areas. One of Mom's granddaughters, Anjoli, said she asked Grandma for advice one time about her kids and Grandma said "Just love them more and more." That's how Mom was. Friends always wanted to come to our house because Mom was there. Mom also was care giver to other kids as many would come and stay with our family for different periods of time as the need arose. Mom's faith was the other centre for her. She raised us to know God, to attend church, to take our catechism and to participate in the sacraments. Mom's faith was very important to her and she relied heavily on it many times to get her through Anyone who knew Mom, also knew she loved reading. We kids grew up reading with Mom. The Reader's Digest was never far away and there were always other books and many magazines around for reading pleasure. In 2003, Dad died and slowly Mom's world changed. Mom's health issues began to catch up with her. A year ago, in 2009, Mom moved to Northview, a facility for assisted living. On June 12, 2010, Mom suffered a stroke and passed away with her family at her side. She was small, quiet and usually gentle, but she has made a lasting impact on many of us. A funeral service was held on June 16, 2010 at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church with Father Michael Anyasoro officiating. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mary, may be made by donation to the ‘British Columbia Heart and Stroke Foundation’ or the ‘Canadian Cancer Society’ |
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Dawson Creek: (250)
782-2577 Serving Fort St. John |
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