Obituary for Judith Rose Ellis
Judith (Judy) Rose Ellis (née Cavanagh), 79, passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Centre in Burnaby on June 7, 2020.
She is survived by her loving husband, Don; her sister Sandra (Derek); her children Chris and Jennifer (Brad) and grandson Connor; her niece Margie and nephew Brendan; and step-children Brent, Jennifer and Jason Ellis. She was predeceased by her parents Jerry and Mary Rivers, brother Douglas; and husbands Gene Hawthorne and Vern Ellis.
Judy was born on January 8, 1941 in Vancouver. She studied Education at UBC and began teaching in 1961, initially in Vancouver and later in Coquitlam at Rochester, Roy Stibbs and Riverview Park Elementaries. She always aspired to improve her skills and knowledge and completed two further Post Baccalaureates from SFU. In teaching, as in everything else, Judy excelled. She was a dedicated teacher who cared deeply for her students and hoped she made a difference in their lives.
She treasured her family and friends, and always had time for a chat and a cup of tea with anyone who wanted her help. Judy was a wonderful and loyal friend to many. Her deep sense of responsibility to her family was evident to all who knew her. In every situation, she strove to do her best and what she felt was right.
Judy had a zest for life and was always on the go, whether it was visiting friends and family, enjoying her hobbies, gardening, traveling, playing cards or dancing. She had fun and was normally at the centre of any great celebration! She was also a passionate quilter and loved sharing her work with family, friends and charities. Judy was a perfectionist and it showed in all of her endeavours.
Judy was a valued, active and energetic member of Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years where she made many lifelong friends. At her 50th high school reunion at Gladstone Secondary School, Judy reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Don Cook. He brought back the twinkle in her eye and they were married soon after.
Judy was admired for her intelligence, thoughtfulness, creativity, dependability, optimism, and indefatigable nature. Those who counted her as a friend were truly blessed and her cheery smile will be missed by all.
Due to Covid, a private service will be held for family and friends.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Parks BC Manning Park Conservation Fund as Manning Park was a very special place for Judy, or to the ALS Society of BC.
BC Parks Partnership & Donations Program
ALS Society of BC
She is survived by her loving husband, Don; her sister Sandra (Derek); her children Chris and Jennifer (Brad) and grandson Connor; her niece Margie and nephew Brendan; and step-children Brent, Jennifer and Jason Ellis. She was predeceased by her parents Jerry and Mary Rivers, brother Douglas; and husbands Gene Hawthorne and Vern Ellis.
Judy was born on January 8, 1941 in Vancouver. She studied Education at UBC and began teaching in 1961, initially in Vancouver and later in Coquitlam at Rochester, Roy Stibbs and Riverview Park Elementaries. She always aspired to improve her skills and knowledge and completed two further Post Baccalaureates from SFU. In teaching, as in everything else, Judy excelled. She was a dedicated teacher who cared deeply for her students and hoped she made a difference in their lives.
She treasured her family and friends, and always had time for a chat and a cup of tea with anyone who wanted her help. Judy was a wonderful and loyal friend to many. Her deep sense of responsibility to her family was evident to all who knew her. In every situation, she strove to do her best and what she felt was right.
Judy had a zest for life and was always on the go, whether it was visiting friends and family, enjoying her hobbies, gardening, traveling, playing cards or dancing. She had fun and was normally at the centre of any great celebration! She was also a passionate quilter and loved sharing her work with family, friends and charities. Judy was a perfectionist and it showed in all of her endeavours.
Judy was a valued, active and energetic member of Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years where she made many lifelong friends. At her 50th high school reunion at Gladstone Secondary School, Judy reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Don Cook. He brought back the twinkle in her eye and they were married soon after.
Judy was admired for her intelligence, thoughtfulness, creativity, dependability, optimism, and indefatigable nature. Those who counted her as a friend were truly blessed and her cheery smile will be missed by all.
Due to Covid, a private service will be held for family and friends.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Parks BC Manning Park Conservation Fund as Manning Park was a very special place for Judy, or to the ALS Society of BC.
BC Parks Partnership & Donations Program
ALS Society of BC