Judith Marie McGillivray

Judith Marie Turchanak McGillivray died suddenly in her home in Nanoose Bay on January 3. She is predeceased by her parents, brother Richard, sister Anne and son Rory, whose 2020 death was a devastating loss. Judith is mourned by her close friends, sisters-in-law Sara McGillivray and Miriam Scribner, brothers-in-law Scott McGillivray and Edward McGovern, the Harkins family, and Luke Villemure, Rory's lifelong friend.

Of Ukrainian and Métis heritage, Judith grew up in Edmonton, where she received her diploma in nursing in 1971 at the Misericordia Hospital. A significant part of her nursing career was in Prince George, where she formed personal and professional relationships that shaped her life. At the College of New Caledonia from 1980, she was a leader in the nursing and related health sciences programs. Shortly after completing her Master's Degree in Nursing at the University of Alberta, in 1993, Judith relocated to the lower mainland and joined Kwantlen Community College as their Dean of Community and Health Studies. During her time at Kwantlen, Judith completed her PhD in Higher Education and Policy Development at the University of British Columbia and in 2000, accepted the role of Vice President Academic and Provost. In these roles she had great impact on the academic community and was instrumental in helping Kwantlen move from a college to a polytechnical university. This distinguished career continued into her 2010 retirement.

Over the next 15 years, she lived in Nanoose Bay, travelling widely in Europe and North America. Judith's travelling companions could count on memorable, carefully planned vacations. Active in the local community, she was an avid gardener and loved treating guests to elaborate meals. Judith read widely and was a member of three book clubs. She adored beautiful clothes and had a poorly concealed addiction to Thierry Rabotin shoes. We loved Judith and will remember her for her beauty and intelligence and for her friendship and generosity. She will be missed very much. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Judith's memory to the BCIT Foundation, Rory McGillivray Memorial Achievement Award