Judith Mary Cowan

Judith (Judy) Mary Cowan (née Murdoch) passed away peacefully at the age of ninety on March 27, 2026, at Hill House Hospice in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Judy was born in Toronto on May 4, 1935, to Archibald and Florence Murdoch. She spent her early years living in the Kingsway and Lawrence Park areas of Toronto but eventually would call Thornhill her home.

Judy graduated from Lawrence Park Collegiate in 1954. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from York University. She had an illustrious twenty-seven-year career as a teacher with the York Region District School Board and was truly admired and respected by her colleagues. Not only was Judy a passionate educator, but she also inspired her students to work hard and believe in themselves. Her love and dedication to teaching left an indelible impression on all those who passed through her classroom. Through her role as a music teacher and band conductor, she had a profound impact on the lives of many.

An independent and resilient mother of three daughters, Judy led by example and always put the needs of her family ahead of her own. Fortitude was her middle name. She was a fierce protector and amazing advocate for her girls. She had endless patience and was an incredibly positive person who taught her children to be strong, self reliant, empathetic, and loving women.

Judy was artistically gifted and had a creative spirit. Her talents shone through from the clothes she made for herself and her girls to the drapes that hung on her windows. A wonderful cook and exceptional entertainer, she rolled out the red carpet when company was coming to visit!

Music was always an integral part of Judy’s life. Her childhood home was filled with music and the sound of her mother’s singing. Her mother instilled in both Judy and her sister Patricia a great love of music. Judy was an accomplished pianist and vocalist who earned her Grade 10 piano certification from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She found great inspiration listening to the piano artistry of Oscar Peterson and the vocal talents of Tony Bennett.

Aside from her family, her many talents, hobbies and passion for music, the many summers Judy spent as a camper, Counsellor and Section Head at Camp Kitchikewana on Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay were a formative experience for her. The camp motto of “Kindness, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Respect and Optimism" were characteristics that became ingrained in her and which she modelled throughout her life.

Judy was the beloved mother of Catherine Waterson (Rob), Cynthia Heidman (Ted), and Christine Culley (Rob). She was a loving grandmother (Nana) to Sarah (Ryan), Scott (Jaimi), Sean (Amanda), DW (Devery), Sandra (Tom), Kyle (Lindsey), Lauren (Andrew), Ryan (Nicole) and Matthew and to her fifteen great-grandchildren. Faithful sister to the late Patricia Fleming and loving Aunt to Jim Fleming, Sheila Sullivan, Ian Fleming and Ann Fleming.

Family is Judy’s legacy. Her grace, dedication and love will be deeply missed and her example of a life well-lived will never be forgotten.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Hill House Hospice and Dr. Ruth Grossman for their exceptional care and compassion. Their dedicated support provided immense comfort during this difficult time.

At Judy’s request, no services have been planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hill House Hospice or the hospice in your area in appreciation of the great and invaluable service these organizations provide.