Judy Ann Lien

Judy was born on September 1, 1946, in Barrhead, Alberta, to James and Marjorie Gibb. She was the fourth of five children and grew up on a family farm near Neilburg, Saskatchewan, where she developed the strong work ethic, resilience, and determination that would define her throughout her life.

After graduating from high school, Judy attended Vermilion Agricultural and Vocational College in 1965; before beginning her career she moved to the big city of Edmonton where she got a position with Wawanesa Insurance as an Imputer. She lived around the downtown and Whyte Avenue area as a young woman and enjoyed going for lunch or shopping with friends. Then she changed companies to Independent Insurance as an Insurance Agent, where she worked for twenty plus years. Judy was never one to follow a rule simply because it existed, she stood up for colleagues who were bullied by others and took them under her wing to pass on all of her experience and knowledge. Later she changed again to Sadler Insurance on Whyte Avenue. Her independent spirit and practical nature remained hallmarks of her character throughout her life. Judy dedicated 46 years to the insurance industry, retiring in 2011 after a career spent helping generations of families protect what mattered most. She took great pride in her work and found genuine fulfillment in serving her clients and building lasting relationships.

Judy married Gordon Lien in 1968, and they raised two children, Kimberly and Sheldon. Together over the years, they bought and sold properties in Edmonton where they enjoyed entertaining family and friends. They attended international business conventions in London, Hong Kong, Jasper, Banff, Montreal, and Niagara Falls. They also went to Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Vancouver Island, and Norway to visit extended family. Although their marriage ended after 30 years, they remained good friends and stayed united in their devotion to their family.

Nothing brought Judy greater joy than being a grandmother. She took a sincere interest in every aspect of her grandchildren’s lives and somehow always knew what Rochelle, Katherine, Ava, Elin, and Izaak were up to. She remembered even the smallest details they shared, offered plenty of opinions and advice when needed, and was a constant source of love, encouragement, and support. Her grandchildren were among her greatest blessings.

Following her retirement, Judy made her home with her daughter Kimberly and son-in-law James. She found immense happiness in caring for her beloved dogs and tending to her gardens. Like her mother before her, Judy possessed a remarkable green thumb, creating beautiful displays of flowers throughout the yard each year. Springtime meant greenhouse visits, garden planning, and cherished time spent with her daughter. However as much as Judy hated winter, that meant it was hockey season! She was a lifelong dedicated Edmonton Oilers fan whose loyalty never waiver through the highs and lows of every season. Watching games, discussing players, and cheering on her beloved Oilers brought her great enjoyment throughout the years.

Judy also carried on treasured family traditions through her love of cooking and baking. Whether she was making lemon meringue pie, chocolate cake, cinnamon buns, butter tarts, turkey dinners, lazy cabbage rolls, or her famous apple pies, every dish was prepared with care and love. Feeding others was one of the many ways she expressed her affection, and anyone fortunate enough to sit at her table knew just how much they meant to her.

She will be remembered for her playful teasing, well-executed pranks, love of a good glass of scotch, and outings to Dots with her daughter. Judy was an avid reader throughout her entire life and rarely passed up the chance to relax with a WonderWord puzzle. She was a thoughtful listener, a keeper of family stories, and someone who could communicate volumes with a single look. Above all, she loved a good conversation and cherished the connections she shared with family and friends.

Judy was predeceased by her parents, James and Marjorie Gibb; her niece, Barbara Gibb; her sister-in-law, Linda Gibb; and her brother-in-law, Mac McMurray.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, strength, and countless cherished memories. Her kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Judy is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Kimberly Bell, and son-in-law, James, and their daughters, Rochelle and Katherine. And by her son, Sheldon Lien, and daughter-in-law, Jacqueline, and their children, Ava, Elin, and Izaak. She is also survived by her siblings: Jim, Brian (Joan), Gail, and Ian (Connie) as well as many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love and friendship.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.