JUDITH KLASSEN (DOWLER)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JUDITH KLASSEN (nee DOWLER) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother two weeks shy of her 80th birthday. Judy was born in St. Boniface to Ivan and Iona Dowler following two brothers, Graham and John and followed by brother Danny - all deceased. Judy leaves to carry forward her memory her son Greg, his spouse Siobhaun (Williams) and Judy's granddaughter Addie and son Danny of Vancouver. She also leaves adored nieces and nephews, and many cousins and in-laws across Canada. Judy grew up in River Heights and went to Gordon Bell High School where she excelled academically. She attended Manitoba Teachers College and became an elementary school music teacher. She taught in Manitoba for a few years but was drawn to the West Coast with a teaching position in Langley. On a weekend visit to Victoria, she met the love of her life, Jack Klassen also from Winnipeg. They married in 1962 and moved to Victoria where Judy continued to teach. Greg was born in 1963 in Victoria followed by Danny in 1966 in Halifax. After multiple moves, the family settled into Victoria in the mid 1970s and Judy changed careers working for Canada Employment as a counsellor. Judy loved her work, helping Canadians and new Canadians find their vocations. Sadly, Jack passed away in 1991 and Judy began an era of life on her own, moving to bucolic Brentwood Bay near Victoria. Judy's passions were spending time with her family, quilting, leading bible study groups, playing bridge, farm to farm shopping, family vacations in Hawaii and her dogs. She was a lifelong learner, avid reader, with a curious and mathematical mind and an amazing memory for the past - even until the end of her journey. Above all, Judy held firm in her faith in Jesus Christ as her own personal lord and saviour. The family would like to thank that her family and friends for their many hours of visits. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation. Funeral services will be held at Friendship Community Church, Saanichton, BC on January 26 at 1:30 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2019