JUDITH SAMSON

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

• I worked with Judy at Ogilvy & Mather in Toronto for several years and we remained friends long after she left for another agency. She was enormously talented and a great leader. We kept in touch long after I moved to Key West, FL amd she returned to Winnipeg. But then, nothing. Now I know why. I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. Joanna Brady Schmida, Key West, FL - Posted by: Joanna Brady Schmida (friend) on: Sep 11, 2024

• I only saw Judy a few times after we graduated, but I have wonderful memories of her at United. She was always warm and friendly, and she and Shirley Grosser were so witty.....rather scarily so!! I can still picture them sitting together, pen and paper in hand, cracking one-liners for their skits. Their creations were great fun for everyone. I recall once landing the part of a tree; I think I even had a very short line...one or two words! Because I was unable to attend, Judy kindly sent me a copy of the eulogy she gave, years ago, at the memorial service for one of our college classmates. It was lovely....funny, affectionate, beautifully written.....I've kept it all this time and just got it out to read again. The last time I saw her was a number of years ago at a small lunch party. She was vivacious, fun, and full of enthusiasm about her writing. One of the things she was working on was a mystery, and she was especially excited about it. It was wonderful to see her so full of life. She was very accomplished and was a genuinely warm and giving person. She will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Carolyn Jordan (United College friend) on: Mar 21, 2024

• I also met Judy at United College and lived in awe of the brilliance of Judy and Shirley's creative skits. Occasionally I was offered a bit part...and a good laugh. When Judy returned to Winnipeg from Toronto, we got to know each other as retired women who loved the theatre and books. Though more "mature", Judy had not lost her devilish sense of humour. As I was the elder by one day, her birthday cards to me, delivered with her trademark twinkle in the eye, always carried not only a clever message but the reminder that she was my "younger friend. I miss her teasing and her intelligent conversation. - Posted by: Carol Runions (friend) on: Mar 21, 2024

• Thanks SO MUCH for sending this, Shirley! I have vivid memories of the common room capers at United! The two of you contributed hugely to our entertainment at Theatre Night and elsewhere. I am happy (though not surprised) to know about Judy's remarkable career! I hope you and Linda are doing well on beautiful Vancouver Island. I do manage to get to Vancouver quite often to visit my sister and brother-in-law who live near Kamloops but haven't recently managed a trip to the Island. THAT is on my agenda for the near future, however! I will let you know when it becomes a reality. I very much look forward to seeing you at that time. Meanwhile, all the best to both of you! Sincerely, Carol - Posted by: Carol Jean Davis (College Friend) on: Mar 20, 2024

• Judy and I were classmates at United College in the late 1950’s. We met, fortuitously, in the girls “Common Room”, where we plotted and schemed many theatrical ventures. Countless hours were spent with wild laughter and stale coffee as we created award-winning skits, and plotted out Theatre Night programs. It was quite the ride to be a friend of Judy’s. She was so bright and funny, so kind and generous, so knowledgeable and modest. In spite of living in different cities, I was fortunate to be able to enjoy occasional visits with her well into our adult years. When we met, our conversations seemed to pick up where they had left off, even though that may have been years in the past. Her loyalty as a friend was palpable. Such a special Soul. She will be missed. - Posted by: Shirley Grosser (Friend) on: Mar 18, 2024