JUDITH PATRICIA MAK

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JUDITH PATRICIA MAK

(nee MERONEK)

1944 - 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother, Judy on Monday, January 8, 2024. Judy is survived by her husband Bob, son Darren (Joanne Champagne); granddaughters Amber Arnold (Seth Boulding) and Emily Mak. She was predeceased by her father Nicholas and Mother Helen.



Judy was born at the end of the war in the city of St. Boniface. Her family resided on Inkster in the North End and she was proud of being raised in the milieu of races that were the heart of the area. She attended Ralph Brown and Faraday elementary schools, then made the long hike to Isaac Newton Junior High. In her early school years, she was highly motivated to do her best and achieve high grades.

This continued when she graduated to St. John's High. There she excelled, always achieving high marks, many times perfect scores and besting the boys, especially in math.



Judy enrolled in the Faulty of Science at the U of M. In the early 60's very few females were in the sciences faculty. She loved the learning and challenges offered. Mathematics was still her chosen favourite. She set her goals on becoming a math teacher and enrolled in the Faculty of Education.



Upon graduation it was easy to find a position as very few female teachers could teach the science and math courses. She started at Murdoch McKay and loved teaching, however she decided she needed a break from the academic world, especially some place warm. She took leave and went to Hawaii for five months. That started her love for warm sandy beaches and clear blue waters.



She and her husband spent most of their 55 years together going on many Mexican vacations, 9 years volunteering with OCOD in Teacher Education summer programs, and travels in Europe. After their first cruise they were hooked and then spent the cold winter months every year on long cruises through the Caribbean, Central and South America, and French Polynesia. This attraction remained with her for the rest of her life.



Judy retired from the public school system to raise her son. She then worked in the Faulty of Education as a Student Teacher Supervisor and then as a part time Lecturer. Unfortunately, in 1995 Judy was diagnosed with Lupus and she had to officially retire. The next stage of life brought her two wonderful granddaughters who she enjoyed spending time with having tea parties, doing crafts, chasing ladybugs in the front yard, and helping them out with math homework.



Judy has been described as "feisty", strong-willed, but always full of life. These characteristics allowed her to battle Lupus for all these years. In the end her body grew tired of the fight, and she wanted to rest. Judy left us peacefully in her sleep. We, her family, know that we will never forget her and all that she has meant to us. We love you, Judy.



A Celebration of Life will be held in Winnipeg on Monday, January 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Stone Angel Brewing Co. 1875 Pembina Hwy. Accessible entrance and limited parking is available out front, with plenty of parking behind the building.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2024, Jan 13, 2024