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1947-2014

Born in Swan River, Manitoba on July 31, 1947, Judy passed away peacefully on June 15, 2014.

She is survived by her son Allen (Chelsea), daughter Carmen (Jacek); her beloved grandchildren Mira, Nickolas, Audrey, Leni and Esmé; her mother Isabelle Kitchener; her siblings Blaine (Shirley), Tom (Sandra) and Carol (Norm). Judy was predeceased by the husband she adored, Don Larsen, and her father Sid Kitchener.

Judy made her home in the Comox Valley for all of her life with the exception of 14 years in Alberta. She and Don began going together in 1963 when she boldly asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. They were married December 3, 1966.

Judy was a fun-loving woman who enjoyed square-dancing, bowling and curling, and was an avid game player, particularly bridge and Scrabble. She was a creative, crafting person and could design and construct anything she imagined. She and Don enjoyed gathering supplies for her various projects; collecting shells, buying fabric, and picking through garage sales for great finds. Above all, Judy was known for her exquisite, hand-sewn quilts that she freely gave to the people she loved as well as to others in need.

Summers were often spent camping with family at Miracle Beach, Kitty Coleman Beach or in the Okanagan. After Judy and Don retired, they journeyed across the country in 2006, then up to Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories in 2008. Winters were spent in Indio, California, where Judy was active in her park; quilting, playing water volleyball, shuffleboard, and painting.

Judy’s strong but quiet faith supported her through difficult times as she supported the congregations of which she was a member. In the 1970s while in Alberta she was on the board of her church in Pincher Creek and helped establish a new church in Edmonton. She had many roles at St. George’s United Church in Courtenay: past Chair of Church Council, Session member and an active member of the United Church Women’s group. She helped lead the fundraising efforts for a new roof on the church. She taught Sunday school for years, and was a camp leader and cook at Moorecroft United Church camp.

Judy loved her children and always made them a priority. She was a model of humility, love, determination, loyalty and creativity. She gave gardening/cooking/design/craft/life advice generously and expertly. Her grandchildren were a special source of joy. She did the night shifts with fussy newborns, provided weeks of childcare whenever needed and let them take over her home at the beach. She had the best toy box.

A memorial service will be held June 20, 2014 at 3 pm at St. George’s United Church in Courtenay.

As a tribute to Judy, hug your loved ones, give of yourself to others and make beautiful things.



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