Judy Fraser
(nee Lamb)
Dear Judy passed away quietly and peacefully in her beloved home in Lantzville with her husband Ross at her side and family close by. Judy was preceded by her father, Dr. Roland Lamb of Montreal. Judy leaves to mourn her loving husband Ross, mother Margaret and sister Betty Thompson and her family in Montreal. She also leaves her devoted sons Christopher in Victoria and Jeremy in Calgary with their dear wives Stephanie and Janet, whom Judy embraced as daughters. Victoria grandchildren are Sasha, Eva and Lachlan, and in Calgary are Jennifer, Caitlyn, Emily and Heather. Judy was a proud, fiercely devoted and loving mother and grandmother and was adored by all her family.
Judy and Ross celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in June with a very happy week in Whistler.
Originally from Montreal, Judy was proud to be a third generation graduate of McGill, where she received her B.A. in 1962. She then studied Education at the University of Wales at Swansea and returned to Montreal to teach at John Grant High. She and Ross were married in 1964 and migrated across Canada to Vancouver as newlyweds, eventually settling in the Nanaimo area. Judy always remembered her roots, keeping ties to the family in Quebec, with many visits to the family summer home Le Braconnier, at Coin du Banc in Gaspé.
Judy pursued a teaching career with School District 68, at both elementary and secondary levels. She went on to be vice-principal of John Barsby Secondary, and eventually became Director of Instruction for the District. She also found time to earn an M.Ed. at U.Vic with first class honours She led by example and was well respected by her colleagues for her educational leadership.
Judy always had a strong sense of community. She played an important role in the cultural evolution of Nanaimo, with a particular love of music. She helped endow music scholarships at VIU, and was a founding member of the Port Theatre. She was very proud of the Vancouver Island Symphony orchestra, serving as a board member for a number of years, including a term as Board Chair.
She was first elected as a director on the board of what is now the Coastal Community Credit Union in 1994. Over the next two decades, she was repeatedly re-elected, serving for twenty years as director, including a term as chair, and was involved in several major provincial credit union initiatives. During those years, Judy was proud to be elected and re-elected at or near the top of the polls.
As well , during those years, Judy and Ross enjoyed travels in North America, Europe and Africa. But they always loved coming back to their home in Lantzville.
Perhaps Judy’s most important legacy was her great gift for friendship. She leaves behind a family bereft and in grief, and a myriad of friends (Wonder Women!!) who will always remember her beautiful laugh and her absolute loyalty and integrity. Her friendship was a great gift. All of us who knew her were blessed.
Rest in Peace, our lovely darling Judy.
Please join Judy’s family at “REMEMBERING JUDY”.
SATURDAY, NOV. 15, 2:00 PM, P0RT THEATRE
Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Judy can be made to the Vancouver Island Symphony or the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music.