JUDITH L. WESTERHOF (MEAGHER)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JUDITH L. WESTERHOF (nee MEAGHER) May 30, 1940 - January 25, 2011 Judith L. Westerhof, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away peacefully January 25, 2011 at the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit after a long and courageous battle with cancer at the age of 70 years. She is survived by her husband of 51 years Gerrit; son Robert Allen (Michael), daughter Karen Anne (Helen Lynne), son John Gerrit (Charmaine, Dominic and Madeline); daughter Judith Lynne (Arthur, Tymek); brothers Bill Meagher (Susan, James, Michael, Daniel), Jerry Meagher (Cindy); and will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her mother Helen Mac-Lean Meagher (Hill) and her father George Cyril (Bing) Meagher. Judith was born May 30, 1940 in Winnipeg. After graduating from High School, she was employed with M.T.S. in Winnipeg, D.B.S. Ottawa, and on return to Winnipeg, at Westfair Foods as a Keypunch Operator. She also worked part-time as a Day Care Worker, Ladies' Wear Retail Sales, and a Bridal Consultant. She met her husband Gerrit in Winnipeg in 1958, they were married in 1959. Gerrit was a member of the Canadian Army, and the following year they were transferred to Vancouver. There were more transfers including a three year tour in Germany. Judith was the quintessential army wife and took all these frequent moves in stride. In 1970 they were transferred to and settled in Winnipeg. Judith loved traveling, especially to Hawaii, Mexico and Niagara Falls, where, being asthmatic, she said she could breath easier walking in the mist from the Falls. Judith loved animals (especially dogs) and adopted these from various Humane Societies. She took great pleasure in renaming every dog that came into our home and last but certainly not least, our cat Snowflake (Kitty). In 1997, she was diagnosed with colon cancer, fortunately it was discovered early and surgery removed the tumor. Twelve years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy treatments followed by a radical bilateral mastectomy and radiation treatments. A year later x-rays indicated that the cancer had moved to both lungs. Judith fought the battle with cancer with courage and determination, but sadly, the many chemotherapy treatments failed to halt the growth of the tumors. She is now peacefully at rest, having fought the good fight . The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of CancerCare Manitoba and the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit for their unstinting dedication, kindness and compassion in treating Judith during her last years and days. Cremation has taken place. A service celebrating Judith's life will be held later in the Spring at Holy Trinity Church in Headingley. Service details will be announced. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to CancerCare (Manitoba), the Canadian Cancer Society, the Winnipeg Humane Society or a charity of choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website at www.chapellawn.mb.ca. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 05, 2011