JUDITH DAWN GEARY (REMPLE)

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JUDITH DAWN GEARY (nee REMPLE) Judy Geary, a prolific crafter and patient mother, passed away from cancer on Friday, May 16 2014, at the age of 57. She left behind her large family and multiple half-finished quilts. Judy was born in Winnipeg in 1957 to Walford and Vivian Remple, the fifth of seven children (Gord (Cindy), Wally (Cynthia), Glenn (Pam), Avis Johnston, Cathleen Jeanson, Rob (Andrea)). Her junior high report card from Dieppe School states she was "so likable and [and contrary to photographic evidence found by her children] such a lovely dresser!". At 17, Judy met the love of her life; in 1976, she and Hugh Geary married. Judy gained six new siblings (Suzyn, Peter (Alyson), Mike (Debbie), Linda Jurcik (Dave), Jackie Jaklitch (Rob), Andrea Duran (Rob)) and a stepson Chris Wach (Jennifer). Judy worked in long term care homes in Winnipeg for 32 years. Regardless of her department or position, she always went out of her way to make the residents comfortable and happy. Always a crafter, Judy designed and made her own health care uniforms. Over her lifetime, she made countless knitted sweaters, stuffed animals, doll dresses, and more recently designed and crafted intricate quilts and quilted bags. Her favourite sources of inspiration were children (hers, Camille and Jennifer, and many others), nieces and nephews, and granddaughters. Judy spent the last eight years working in service industries in Kenora and Thompson, ensuring each small town was adequately informed about the accomplishments of her two daughters. Next to quilting, Judy was most efficient at bragging about her children (so it only seems appropriate to let everyone know one has a Ph.D. and the other is working on one). Judy is survived by her husband Hugh, her parents, siblings and siblings-in-law, 29 (great) nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her children Laina (John Morgan), Janis (Kam Shergill), and her granddaughters Samantha and Lexye (Chris and Jen Wach) and Brinley (Jen and Brad Smith). Judy was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Nancy van Oudheusden (nee Haapa; 2000). A private service was held on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at Chapel Lawn. Family and friends gathered to remember her life, and scatter her remaining craft projects.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2014