Judy Zerr
1943 - 2016
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our Mother, Nana, Grandma, Sister, Auntie, Cousin and Friend, Judith Evelyn Zerr, March 30th, 2016 at the age of 73. Judy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Tony (2014) and her loving son, Rudy (2003).
Judy is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Richard Robinson) and grandchildren, Tyler and Jacoby; her daughter-in-law, Krista Hansen (Bill Edwards) and grandchildren, Ava and Andrew Hansen-Zerr; her son, Bruce Jensen (Carolyn) and grandchildren, Erik, Garth and Tyrel. Judy is also survived by her sisters, Margaret Tew (Bruce), Janie Jardine (Fred), Barbara Cufino (Larry), Kathy Thode (Bill Millier) and brother, Tom; her Aunt; cousins; nieces; nephews and their families.
Judy was born in Saskatoon, SK to Evelyn (Harnett) and William Thode. Judy spent her early years growing up on the family farm located in Dundurn, SK. Judy had many fond memories of the time she spent on the farm. Her love of dancing began alongside her sister, Margaret, square dancing with the 4H Club. As the eldest child, Judy was fortunate to spend many hours working alongside her mother in the kitchen, in the garden and next to her at the sewing machine. Judy’s love of dancing and sewing remained with her, her entire life.
In late summer 1960, she headed to Red Deer to pursue secretarial training at the Henderson Secretarial School. After Judy graduated at the top of her class, she decided to move to Regina to start her life. Upon arriving in Regina, she landed her first job in the ladies department of the Army & Navy store. One Friday evening, she and a friend went dancing at the Trianon Dance Hall where she met the love of her life, Tony. Over the years, Judy and Tony spent their weekend evenings dancing the night away. Judy went on to work for the Simpson Sears’ business office and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
Judy and Tony were married September 29th, 1962 in Regina. In 1970, their son Rudy, was born in Regina and their daughter, Kathy, was born in 1975 in Nanaimo. They moved to Nanaimo in 1974 where they raised their family. Judy was very pleased to live for the last 37 years in her dream home that “Tony” built for her in 1979. She rejoined the workforce as a municipal employee with the City of Nanaimo working at the recently opened Beban Park Recreational Facility before transferring to The City of Nanaimo Planning Department. She spent time working in the City Clerk’s Office as well as at the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment before retiring in 2001.
Throughout Judy’s lifetime, she could be found knitting, sewing and learning new things. She excelled at making every child feel loved and taken care of, whether it be her own children, grandchildren or other children she met. Often, it was these children who were the inspiration for many of her crafts. Judy was always making spontaneous meals, taking a trip at short notice or offering assistance if someone was in need. She spent countless hours with her grandchildren throughout their lives. It was her grandchildren that inspired the last trip they took together to Harrison Hot Springs just two weeks prior to her passing.
The family would like to thank Dr. Fenton and all the staff at the Nanaimo Cancer Clinic. We would also like to thank Gillian with Nanaimo Home Support and the Nanaimo Branch of the Red Cross. Judy was fond of both Dr. Winder and Dr. Gillis as they cared for her over the years as her GP. A special thanks needs to be extended to Judy’s sisters for the care and compassion they showed for Judy right to her final hour, as well as to all of her friends and neighbours for their everlasting love and support.
Please be advised that the Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held at Sands Funeral Chapel, 1 Newcastle Ave, Nanaimo, BC at 11:30 a.m., Saturday April 16th, 2016. A light lunch will be followed by an interment at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens at 2 p.m.
The family suggests that instead of flowers, donations could be made to your favourite charity.