Verda-Jane Hudel

Verda-Jane Hudel once thought she might join the Air Force as a pilot or flight nurse. Her adventures took off closer to home.

VJ, as she was known to many, grew up in Oshawa, where she made a childhood friend she treasured all her life. In 1964, she graduated from the Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital School of Nursing, forming more lifelong friendships, and went on to work as a registered nurse.

She married Erwin Hudel, and together they raised a squadron of their own: Gina, James (Ashley), Lisa (Gary), Tom (Denise), Greg (Jackie) and Dave (Melissa). Each school morning began with her own version of pre-flight checks, and family dinners came with briefings, plus the occasional debriefing, as six children required. She also helped administer Hudel Maintenance and Construction Ltd.

The squadron grew to include her beloved grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Jake), Jesse, Abby, Galen and Mary, and her new great-grandson, Charlie, who brought her immeasurable joy. She may have mentioned them to you.

The beloved only child of Margaret and Bert Weir, VJ made sure her children knew their Muskoka roots. Her family were pioneer farmers, descendants of United Empire Loyalists, who endured bitter winters and rocky, unforgiving land. After the Second World War, they built the yellow cottage on Long's Lake from salvaged materials, and for generations, summers there have meant family, wildlife and belonging.

VJ believed in learning and reinvention, later becoming a realtor and earning an above-perfect score on her licensing exam, bonus question included. After Erwin's passing in 2001, she bravely carried on, making valued new friends through Meetup groups and bringing many people together at thoughtful gatherings she organized.

She travelled widely, through books and across much of the world on tours and cruises, while finding equal pleasure in festivals and community events across Ontario. Just this past summer, she took up pour painting and gifted her family some vibrant pieces.

In her final days, VJ was surrounded by her family's love and cared for by the wonderful team on the seventh floor of St. Mary's Hospital, whose kindness meant so much to her and to all of us.

A private family burial has taken place, with a celebration of life to be held next summer. In her memory, please consider donating to Canadian Blood Services (blood.ca) or hosting a welcoming gathering for widows, widowers or newcomers in your own community.

In the Air Force, when a pilot is lost, the others fly the missing man formation. Now, Mom, we're flying it for you.