Obituary of Judith Elizabeth Christensen

August 17, 1949 – Penticton, British Columbia

September 18, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

On Monday, September 18, 2023, we said goodbye to Judy and let her go to heaven. Everyone who knew Judy throughout her 74 years, saw a wonderful and caring daughter, wife, mother, grandma, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend.

Judy was born in Penticton in 1949 and grew up in the town of Bowness and later in Calgary. After graduating from Viscount Bennett high school in 1967, Judy earned her Laboratory Technologist diploma two years later from the Holy Cross Hospital in September 1969. She married her high school sweetheart Rod on February 14, 1970, and had her longtime best friend and confidant Brenda as her maid of honor.

Throughout her career, Judy met and connected with many outstanding people including her three dear Holy Cross classmates, Darlene (Ben), Leona (Gord) and Linda. From her time in Swift Current, “Big” Judy, whom “Little” Judy met while working at the Swift Current Clinic.

Judy surrounded herself with loving, warm, lifelong friends. Vicky from Bowness Elementary, Marilyn from her kids’ minor hockey days, volunteering with her at Rosedale and Okotoks Hospice, Dianne, her long-time bridge buddy she met after moving back to Calgary in 1987. She was also fortunate to have met and befriended many Okotoks and Swift Current friends who she met through various social clubs, bridge groups and her children’s hockey teams. The Wedderburns, Hoilands, Quintins, Diguers, Dingwalls, and Pisiaks were some of the families she connected with.

Judy loved spending time with friends and family as much as possible and was especially fond of large group gatherings where cards, board games and group activities were involved. Always laughing and making others laugh was central to the wonderful person she was.

Judy loved to travel, play golf with friends and was fortunate to have traveled the world with her husband, family, and close friends. Mexico, Spain, Australia, Hawaii and many trips to Arizona and California were her favorite destinations.

Left to mourn her passing is her loving husband Rod, her son Greg, his children, Chloe, Tate, his partner Sandy and her children Brendan, Matthew; her son Darcy (Brandy), and her children Finn, and Brook; Judy’s “Older brother” Rick (Linda), Rick’s sons Mike and Ray and Linda’s three children; cousins, Thelma (Lory) and Nancy (Will); her brothers and sisters-in-law Ron (Nancy) and Ken (Myrna); as well as her many nieces and nephews. Judy was predeceased by her mother Elizabeth (2012) and father Elmer Swanson (1980).

Her family would like to acknowledge the care she received from the wonderful staff of AgeCare Midnapore during her 4 1/2 year stay, and also give a very special thank you to her doctor, Dr. Yasmin Majeed. The compassionate end of life care that Judy received was exceptional.

Judy’s family would also like to thank Pastor Brett Thornton of Big Rock Baptist Church in Okotoks for his prayers in our time of need. They are very much appreciated.

Judy was diagnosed in June 2016 with an incurable degenerative brain disease labeled Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Throughout this long challenging and emotional journey, Judy was brave and never complained to anyone about her illness even though she knew the eventual outcome. She is an extraordinarily strong and brave woman indeed.

Please use your resources, as you choose, to donate to the charity of your choice, thank you. If you wish to help fund research for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, donations can be made to PSPCAN (pspsocietycanada.ca).

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Judy’s family here.

In living memory of Judy Christensen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.