Judith Cowan

Judy passed away peacefully on December 30th after a long battle with brain cancer. A truly beautiful person, Judy will be deeply missed by her fiancée and long term companion Jacques Ruel and daughters (Emelie, Camille and Andrea); her twin sister Janet (Darrell Nunn); her niece Melanie (Ryan Bell) and their boys, Jacob and Noah; her brother-in-law Geoffrey (Sandi); brothers Peter and Paul and their families; her dear long-time friends, Colleen O’Connell and her husband Dave Cybulski, Mary, Maureen, Doris (Bruce), Barb and Lee; and by her new friends, including those at the condominium that became her final home.

The daughter of Margaret and Allen Cowan, Judy was born in Kingston, Ontario, and grew up in the countryside, near Marysville, Ontario. She left home for a BA from Carleton University, and then moved on to Ottawa University to fulfill her lifelong desire to be a teacher.

Judy taught elementary grades for the OBE for 35 years.  She was an exemplary educator, incredibly dedicated, creative, and loving. She believed in the beauty of every child, and made it her mission to help each one feel valued and succeed at learning. She was awarded many times for her exceptionality.

As busy as teaching kept Judy, she always made time for loved ones. She welcomed her friends into her home and heart, and honored them with loyalty. She cared deeply for her late parents, her brothers and their families, visiting often and never failing to honor significant dates. She was very close to her twin sister, with whom she shared every birthday of her life, every holiday occasion, many adventures, and a deep love for Melanie.

Judy was a devoted aunt to Melanie, and was committed to helping her through every stage of her journey from birth to adulthood. The bond they shared only deepened with the years. More recently, when Melanie’s children entered Judy’s life, she absolutely delighted in showering them with love.

Jacques, with whom Judy shared a long and loving relationship, and his family were also blessed by Judy’s generous nature. Her many kindnesses will be remembered by everyone, as will the joy with which she hosted many a celebration.

Judy loved to cook for people, and her dinner parties were joyful occasions. She particularly loved birthday celebrations and the traditional feasts at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Christmas was Judy’s season; with her home decorated in festive extravagance, she served delicious food to family and friends, time after time, year after year.

Judy found time for many interests, especially after retiring. She joined a writing group and wrote short stories. She learned to play the ukelele, her first priority learning happy birthday so that she could sing to her family and friends. She joined a book club to share her lifelong passion for reading. She loved to walk along the river by her condo, especially in the last few years with Buddy, the little dog with the big heart.

Judy was a dedicated member of the Westboro Food Bank, where she volunteered her time for seven years. In addition to working in the pantry, she held monthly community cooking classes for food bank clients.

Judy dealt with her long illness with inspiring courage and positivity, and felt heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care she received and for the delicious food provided weekly by loved ones.

Thank you to LHIN, for the gift of nurses and PSWs, especially Lynn.  Thank you to Dr. Hacker, for his gentle manner. Finally, thank you to the dedicated team at Ruddy -Shenkman Hospice, for the way in which your gentle care of Judy in her final weeks so honoured her as the beautiful soul that she is.

Judy, travel lightly; may our love lend you wings.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.