Obituary for Judy Harding
HARDING, Judy Ann (Nee MacDonald)
June 23, 1949 – January 26, 2021
Passed away sadly and peacefully at home after a courageous battle with Cancer, with her husband, son, and daughter by her side holding her hands. Beloved Wife of Brian for 48 years. Proud Mother of son Jason (Rebecca), and daughter Lindsay (the late Donnie, 2020). Proud “Nanny” to Granddaughters Charlee and Ruby. Much loved by her brother-in-law Kevan (Diana) and nephew’s Chad and Josh. Predeceased by her parents Murdo MacDonald, and mother Pearl (nee Magwood) of Sherbrooke, Quebec. Also predeceased by her brother Charles (Chuck) MacDonald and his surviving wife Maria, of Montreal. Judy was a fighter until the very end.
Judy had many wonderful traits with an exceptionally warm heart, and she was a very loving person. Not surprisingly, Judy chose to be a Nurse. She started her successful Nursing career by graduating from The Sherbrooke Hospital School of Nursing in 1970. With her marriage to Brian, Judy moved to Montreal and worked as a Pediatric Nurse at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Then, with Brian’s company transfer to Kitchener, Judy again continued nursing at the KW Hospital in Pediatrics. Judy loved newborns and really enjoyed meeting and helping new moms with their babies. Also, Judy liked and respected seniors which drew her to work in several Long-Term Care Facilities in Kitchener, where she retired.
While being a caring mom and having a busy nursing career, Judy founded the Kitchener chapter of Citizens Concerned with Crime against Children (4C’s) in 1981, which is now known as the Child Witness Centre. This organization’s focus is to prevent children from exploitation. This organization was started after Judy and Brian saw a news coverage on CKCO News about a perpetrator receiving only a 3-year jail sentence for the sexual assault against 2 female minors. That night, Judy drew up a petition and went door to door in the pouring rain and started the accumulation of 40,000 signatures in only a mere two weeks. Judy was then invited to make a presentation to the Honorable Jean Chretien, Minister of Justice, to provide the results of the petition and discuss the issues. Working with a lawyer, her team, and the Ministry, changes were made to the Child Welfare Act which are still in law today.
Judy was one of ten recipients of the national “Citizen of the Year” award in 1996. This award was presented by the Honorable Monique Begin, then Minister of Health.
Judy was commonly known to friends and family as “Mrs. Christmas” because she adored the season and decorated her entire home in a different theme and tree in each and every room. Also, Judy wrote a Christmas poem with her daughter Lindsay every year for decades to send to close friends and family.
Judy, Brian, Jason and Lindsay vacationed on Cape Cod for 38 summers and made countless friends. Needless to say, in this lengthy time span, Judy loved the beach, Cape Cod, and everything it had to offer.
Judy’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 9-10:00 a.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home. A private family service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday followed by a private family interment at Williamsburg Cemetery. Those wishing to attend Judy’s visitation prior to the service must register at www.henrywalser.com or by calling the funeral home at 519-749-8467. Face masks are mandatory. You are welcome to join the family via live-stream at https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming .
Donations can be made to the Child Witness Centre (founded by Judy), by calling 519-744-0904 or 1-888-544-0904.
June 23, 1949 – January 26, 2021
Passed away sadly and peacefully at home after a courageous battle with Cancer, with her husband, son, and daughter by her side holding her hands. Beloved Wife of Brian for 48 years. Proud Mother of son Jason (Rebecca), and daughter Lindsay (the late Donnie, 2020). Proud “Nanny” to Granddaughters Charlee and Ruby. Much loved by her brother-in-law Kevan (Diana) and nephew’s Chad and Josh. Predeceased by her parents Murdo MacDonald, and mother Pearl (nee Magwood) of Sherbrooke, Quebec. Also predeceased by her brother Charles (Chuck) MacDonald and his surviving wife Maria, of Montreal. Judy was a fighter until the very end.
Judy had many wonderful traits with an exceptionally warm heart, and she was a very loving person. Not surprisingly, Judy chose to be a Nurse. She started her successful Nursing career by graduating from The Sherbrooke Hospital School of Nursing in 1970. With her marriage to Brian, Judy moved to Montreal and worked as a Pediatric Nurse at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Then, with Brian’s company transfer to Kitchener, Judy again continued nursing at the KW Hospital in Pediatrics. Judy loved newborns and really enjoyed meeting and helping new moms with their babies. Also, Judy liked and respected seniors which drew her to work in several Long-Term Care Facilities in Kitchener, where she retired.
While being a caring mom and having a busy nursing career, Judy founded the Kitchener chapter of Citizens Concerned with Crime against Children (4C’s) in 1981, which is now known as the Child Witness Centre. This organization’s focus is to prevent children from exploitation. This organization was started after Judy and Brian saw a news coverage on CKCO News about a perpetrator receiving only a 3-year jail sentence for the sexual assault against 2 female minors. That night, Judy drew up a petition and went door to door in the pouring rain and started the accumulation of 40,000 signatures in only a mere two weeks. Judy was then invited to make a presentation to the Honorable Jean Chretien, Minister of Justice, to provide the results of the petition and discuss the issues. Working with a lawyer, her team, and the Ministry, changes were made to the Child Welfare Act which are still in law today.
Judy was one of ten recipients of the national “Citizen of the Year” award in 1996. This award was presented by the Honorable Monique Begin, then Minister of Health.
Judy was commonly known to friends and family as “Mrs. Christmas” because she adored the season and decorated her entire home in a different theme and tree in each and every room. Also, Judy wrote a Christmas poem with her daughter Lindsay every year for decades to send to close friends and family.
Judy, Brian, Jason and Lindsay vacationed on Cape Cod for 38 summers and made countless friends. Needless to say, in this lengthy time span, Judy loved the beach, Cape Cod, and everything it had to offer.
Judy’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 9-10:00 a.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home. A private family service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday followed by a private family interment at Williamsburg Cemetery. Those wishing to attend Judy’s visitation prior to the service must register at www.henrywalser.com
Donations can be made to the Child Witness Centre (founded by Judy), by calling 519-744-0904 or 1-888-544-0904.