Judith Marlene Woodley

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Judy Woodley on March 13, 2015, age 65. She died surrounded by family in QEII Health Sciences Centre of complications from cancer. Judy was the daughter of Joan Anthony (MacDonald) and the late Edson Anthony. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Michael; her sons Matthew (partner Hanako) and David (wife Kerry); grandchildren Kai and Hazel; brother Fred Anthony; sisters Joyce Lightfoot, Jayne Curry and Joanie Anthony; many nieces and nephews, family-in-law and friends. Judy was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, on April 16, 1949, and grew up in the Halifax area. She met her future husband at Dalhousie University, and in 1974, Judy and Michael were married at the Anthony home in Bedford, NS. In 1977, she gave birth to Matthew in Sept-Iles, QC, and in 1981 to David, in Halifax. Motherhood was her centre, it brought her continual joy and a love she gave to and shared with her sons completely. Becoming a grandmother was a high point in her life. Though that time was too short, we find much serenity in the happiness the experience brought her and the part of herself she has left behind. Judy was a student of language and education. She received Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from Dalhousie University and a Master of Arts from Saint Mary's University. She worked as a teacher of English as a second language to adult immigrants to Canada and was inspired by the inter-cultural vibrancy, the charatcers and the rapport that she developed with her students. She later worked for the Halifax Regional School Board as a resource teacher, travelling between several schools and spending time with young students in need of extra attention. Judy travelled extensively throughout her life. She worked as an au pair in France and on an Israeli Kibbutz while in her 20s and taught briefly in China while in her 60s. Her favourite travel activity was people watching. Judy was an observer, thoughtful, intuitive and independent. She believed in people's freedom to live the way they chose. She had a wide-open sense of humour and when she laughed, she laughed with abandon. She had an unforgettable smile, one that will remain stamped in the memories of all those who loved her and those she loved. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Cruikshank's Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. A memorial service for Judy Woodley will be held Friday, March 20, 2 p.m., at the St. Columba Chapel of the Atlantic School of Theology, 660 Francklyn St., Halifax. Reception to follow.