Judith Ann (MacKay) van Ryckevorsel

The world lost a bright, beautiful light but Heaven gained a musical angel with the peaceful passing of Judy, age 80, on November 24, 2024 after a short illness. Born in September 1944, Judy had an enchanted childhood with her loving parents Margaret (MacLean) and Harry MacKay in their historic family home in Mahone Bay, NS.

A creative, avid learner from a young age, Judy went to Mount Allison University at age 16 to earn degrees in Music and Arts, and then to Dalhousie for her Bachelor of Education. Her musical talent, vibrant personality and natural leadership skills touched countless lives during her teaching career. For over 30 years, Judy shared her love of music with thousands of children in elementary schools throughout Halifax and Dartmouth. She was a beloved, enthusiastic teacher widely known as “Mrs. Van” by her students.

Judy’s other career was at Saint James United Church, as the Organist and Musical Director. For 41 years, she led choirs and played the organ for over 400 weddings and funerals and many hundreds of regular church services. She was a driving force in bringing handbells to the church, and led the Carillon choir for many years. When she retired in 2008, the congregation gifted her funds which she used to buy a harp. During her retirement in Mahone Bay, Judy added harpist to her musical repertoire, learning to play beautifully and performing at events along the South Shore.

Judy was a warm, glowing light who attracted many dear friends throughout her life. Her choir friends were like a second family: a close, loving community where she was able to fill her creative cup for many years. Some of these friends became the sisters Judy had always longed for, and they enjoyed decades of coffee dates, road trips and travels abroad. Her quick wit and trivia skills were as admired as the sense of fun and enthusiasm she brought to all facets of her life.

Despite her many contributions to the world, Judy always said that her greatest achievement was her family. Judy married Gilbert in 1970, a Dutchman and marine photographer. Their cozy home in Dartmouth had a unique Dutch Canadian flair and they made sure their daughters had close bonds with the family in Holland, through many reciprocal family visits on both sides of the Atlantic.

Judy and her daughters Julie and Jeanne were the “J’s” and an incredibly close trio. Judy was an amazing mum and went to great lengths to expose her girls to the creative side of life, with music and art lessons, and cultural experiences galore. They enjoyed many mother/daughter trips in recent years and Judy was thrilled when her 4 grandchildren arrived. Piano recitals, ballet performances, hockey games…Judy was joyfully there for it all.

Judy’s memory will be forever held dear in the hearts of her family; husband of 54 years Gilbert, cherished daughters Julie Harrington (Colin) and Jeanne Hoare (Tim), beloved grandchildren

Cameron, Rylan, Emilie and Jasper, dear stepdaughter Sonja Kleindienst, the large, loving family from the Netherlands, and countless precious friends.

A service to celebrate Judy’s life will be held at Saint James United in Dartmouth on December 14, 2024 at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow at A. L Mattatall Funeral Home.

Judy’s departure is a void that will never be filled, but we will bask in the glow of the treasures and talents that she passed on to us. We take comfort in the belief that she is now adding her beautiful singing voice, organ and harp music to heavenly choirs.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Judy's honour could be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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