Judith DUNCAN

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DUNCAN: Judith Allyn Duncan (nee Henderson), age 72, peacefully passed away on Monday, October 29 at the Boissevain Health Center, Boissevain, Manitoba. From her birth in Winnipeg, on July 19, 1946 to her death on Monday, she nourished people around her with food, love, and humor. She was born to Robert and Verna (Jorgenson) Henderson and was the middle of three girls. She was a voracious reader from an early age, loved animals, puzzles, and all of the arts. In her prime, Judi was very proud to be able to hit the high E note with ease. After graduating from high school, she started nursing school in Victoria, British Columbia. Judi’s big green eyes and voluptuous figure caught the eye of Murray Duncan of Delta, British Columbia. Their date to the Sound of Music sealed the deal. Judi and Murray married on November 12, 1966 in Crescent Beach, British Columbia. They were the first married couple in St. Mark’s Anglican Church. The young couple began their life together: first lived in 100 Mile House, British Columbia; next moved to the Janz farm west of Boissevain, Manitoba and welcomed their first daughter; then to Crescent Beach, British Columbia; back to 100 Mile House, British Columbia and welcomed their second daughter, followed by a move to White Rock, British Columbia and welcomed their third daughter; they then moved to Merritt, British Columbia; after that to Port Coquitlam, British Columbia; and finally their family settled in Boissevain, Manitoba where they resided since 1974. Judi was very active in her community for many years. Her very first job was working for Drs. McPhail. She worked for Investors Group and CJRB. Judi kept Jack in line at J.R. Johnston’s Chartered Accountants. She finally opened her hairdressing salon, Smart & Sassy, where her faithful companion Daisy warmed many laps. Judi became a member of Beta Sigma Phi right after the birth of her last daughter, and the sisterhood continued throughout her life. She volunteered her time with the Arts West Council, Boissevain Chamber of Commerce, Meals on Wheels, directing plays with the Boissevain Community Theatre, doing calligraphy for many high school graduations, and Ducks Unlimited. After her retirement, Judi enjoyed her service on the Palliative Care Group and for Snazzy Seconds. Left to honour Judi and emulate her love are her three girls: Melissa (Mick) Chabluk, Tricia (Garry) Griffin, and Sarah (Eric) Ambeault. The lights of her life; her four grandchildren: Quin, Magan, Connor, and Aliya. Her beloved sisters: Dian (Jim) Tulip, Heather (Gordie) Duncan, and her brother-in-law Kenny (Bev) Duncan. She adored all of her nieces and nephews: Michael, Heather, Maureen, Christopher, Christie, Andrew, Bryan, and Greg. Judi was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law Hal and Kay Duncan, grandson Logan Chabluk, nephew Neal Duncan, and stepmother Polly Henderson. Judi will be remembered as a positive contributor to the community of Boissevain, and made everyone she met feel valued. She was a true and loyal friend. Judi mothered many other “daughters”, whom she opened her home to until the end. Judi treated the Strain family as her own, with Maddy and AJ stepping in for her grandchildren who lived so far away. A private interment took place at the Boissevain Cemetery. A come and go memorial reception was held on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the Boissevain Curling Club. The Duncan family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Nell, all the caring staff at the Boissevain Hospital, and her “sock ladies” for their years of friendship, attentiveness, and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Judi’s name to the Boissevain and Morton Foundation.Wheatland Funeral Service204-523-7791 www.wheatlandfs.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 10, 2018