Judith "Judy" Catherine (McGrath) Chaulk

Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to the late Catherine (Kay) and William (Speed) McGrath, Judy spent her first 13 years in St. John’s before the family relocated to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador. She quickly wove herself into the fabric of her new community. It was here, at just 15 years old, that she met the love of her life and favorite dance partner, Derrick (Dick) Chaulk. From her teenage days jiving at Clark’s Store to dancing in her living room well into her 80s, Judy lived life with an infectious rhythm and a laugh that could light up any room.

Judy began her working life at the Royal Bank, but spent the majority of her career with CBC Radio as a dedicated Researcher. Beyond her career, Judy’s energy was legendary. She was a proud co-founder and long-time volunteer of the Snowflake Figure Skating Club, spending countless hours ensuring her three daughters (and many local youth) could take to the ice. She was also an avid curler and later served her community on the board of the Waterview Condos.

In 2003, Judy and Derrick moved to Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, to be closer to their daughters and growing families.

Above all, Judy was a matriarch whose smile made everyone feel instantly at home. Whether she was traveling the world with Derrick, embarking on trips to Italy, England, Hawaii, Greece, the Caribbean, exploring Cambodia and Vietnam, or taking long road trips back "home" to Goose Bay, her heart was always with her family.

She was the ultimate Nana, sitting through a lifetime of dance recitals, baseball games, and hockey tournaments. She never hesitated to suit up for a game of road hockey with her grandkids or move the kitchen furniture to make room for a makeshift dance floor where the whole family would dance the night away. She and Derrick were amazing jivers, but she was equally content just being Derrick’s biggest fan, listening happily as he played his guitar and sang.

Judy leaves behind her devoted husband of 63 years, Derrick (Dick) Chaulk; her beloved daughters and sons-in-law: Dena (Colin), Jillian (Joel), and Bonnie (Roy); her cherished grandchildren: Emma (Anthony), Chloe (Nick), Mitchell (Abbi), Cameron (Lauren), and Cole; and her step-grandchildren: Jonah (Caileigh)and Quinn. She is also survived by her in-laws Bertha, Debbie, Marg, Brooks, Tex, as well as many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

She was predeceased by her parents, Kay and Speed; her siblings, Carol, Bill, and Gordie; her sisters-in-law, Shirley and Carol; and her brothers-in-law, Morris and Vilroy.

Her laugh was infectious, and her smile made you feel like you were home.

Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm from Woodlawn United Church, 54 Woodlawn Road, Dartmouth with a reception to follow.