Judy Eileen Bakehouse

She was 90 years old and after being in and out of hospital over the last few years her beautiful heart finally gave out. Judy was surrounded by loved ones at Victoria General Hospital the evening before her passing, and we are comforted knowing she went peacefully the next morning.

Judy is survived by her husband of 69 years, Norman; her two daughters, Lesley (Lawrence) Atherton and Julie (Robert) McCormick; her four granddaughters, Emily, Katie, Alexandra (Jordan) and Isabella; and her great grandson, Maximus who was born just four weeks ago.

Judy was an only child who grew up in the small town of Redwood Falls, Minnesota right after the Great Depression. Her father was a WW I and II Veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart, and her mother was a church organist and piano teacher. Judy played violin and timpani in the high school orchestra and became a very good pianist. She was an amazing sight reader and had perfect pitch! She went on to attend Northwestern University’s School of Music outside of Chicago and met her musician husband there. They built their lives in the nearby suburbs of Highland Park and Winnetka where they raised their two daughters. Later they would move to British Columbia. Music continued to be part of Judy’s life – teaching piano, performing as a piano accompanist, singing alto in various choirs and attending many concerts over the years enjoying the Chicago, Prince George, and Victoria symphonies.

Judy had many other joys in life as well. Reading was one of them. She was never without a good book. She particularly loved reading mysteries and borrowed many a fast-read from the library!

Judy was a water baby at heart. She loved the ocean and enjoyed walking the warm sand beaches of Florida, Mexico and Hawaii collecting coral and sea shells – and even locally at Rathtrevor Beach looking for sand dollars. Her sense of adventure was contagious!

Judy had a sharp, curious mind and adored playing Bridge. She was a social member of the Victoria Golf Club and enjoyed lunch and Duplicate Bridge every Monday for years, often placing in the top four! Of course, Judy made many friends there. In fact, Judy made friends wherever she went. She was very social and loved to be around people. She was also part of Saanich Newcomers for a number of years.

Judy had a keen decorator’s eye. Her homes were always beautifully appointed. She just had a special way of grouping photos, displaying family heirlooms and creating beautiful surroundings for her family and friends to enjoy.

And that brings us to family. Judy was always the most caring mother – loving, supportive and wanting the best for her family. She was a wonderful wife to Norman, always checking to make sure he was doing okay in recent years, and she was cherished by her granddaughters. She will be terribly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.

Finally, the family wishes to thank Dr. Dwight George Forster and all the wonderful people at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, Care & Company, and Selkirk Seniors Village who provided such excellent care for Judy in her final years. As per Judy’s request, there will be no service.