Judith Harper

Judith Lynne Harper (nee Edmonds) was born May 22, 1945 in North Bay and died peacefully February 17, 2017 in Mississauga. Her family is thankful they were able to tell her how much she was loved.

Judith is predeceased by her parents, James Manley Edmonds and Ruth Elsie Edmonds (nee McDougall), and her infant son James. She is survived by her siblings, Shirley, Wayne, and Gary; her children with Peter Harper, Jennica (Jeff Morris) and Benjamin (Catherine Bermingham); and her grandchildren, Gabriel, Julian, Logan, and Dinah, to whom she was lovingly known as Grandma Juju.

Judy was many things beyond a daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. She was an educator; after receiving an English degree at the University of Toronto, she taught high school English for many years, passing on her appreciation of Shakespeare. In later years, she taught high-risk youth, providing a source of safety and support for young people who knew they had a champion in her.

She was an accomplished pianist and music lover. As a teenager she worked as a church organist, and later taught piano and Music for Young Children classes at home. Once, Judy chose a church in a new city based on how much she liked the hymn selections there. Nothing gave her more joy and pride than seeing her children and grandchildren sing in choirs and perform at recitals.

Wherever she was -- North Bay, Astorville, Temagami, Kingston, Brampton, or Mississauga -- she loved the outdoors and would seek out the nearest parks or beaches. A sun worshiper, Judy could recline under the sun with a book for hours.

Judy was a shark at Scrabble, Rummoli, cribbage, and during her years at Heritage Glen, poker. While she often won, she was gracious at both winning and losing (a trait not necessarily shared by the rest of her family!). It was the playing, and spending time with people she cared about, that mattered.

She adored curling tournaments, figure skating competitions, and, of course, the Jays. She’d see any movie starring Denzel Washington or Tom Hanks. She was the collector of family photos and mementos; as the family archivist, she has left big shoes to fill. Her actual shoes, though, are tiny, and don’t fit any of us.

Judy loved all holidays, but especially Christmas, when she spoiled her family rotten. Christmas mornings were known to extend well into the afternoon, requiring a break for lunch. Judy was known to start Christmas shopping in summer. Or earlier.

She was an unconditional supporter of her children and their dreams, whether they were studying to be an engineer, or writing poetry. Along with her own kids and grandkids, she was a beloved aunt, niece, and friend, as well as a caregiver and adopted mom to many.

Those who knew Judy deeply admired her approach to life. She was fearless, happily accepting any motorcycle ride offered. And even as her health and mobility declined, she adapted, always focusing on what she could do, rather than what she couldn’t.

An open house visitation will be held on Friday, March 10th, from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, at Ward Funeral Home in Brampton (52 Main St.). A service celebrating Judy’s life will be held on Saturday, March 11th at 11:00 am, also at Ward. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the MS Society.