August 28, 1948 – December 30, 2021
It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear Judi Broeska. Judi battled Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis with great courage, determination, strength of character, and a very positive attitude.
Judi is lovingly remembered by her partner Jack Palmer, of 33 years; son, Matthew (Sara); granddaughters, Nora and Adeline; daughter, Valerie (Francisco); granddaughter, Camilla; twin grandsons, Dylan and Mateo; brother, Rick; sister, Audrey (Ralph); brothers Kevin (Shelley) and Darren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Born in Winnipeg, and raised in Windsor Park and Southdale, Judi was a caring, selfless, and compassionate soul from early on. As the eldest of five siblings, she was a nurturing and devoted big sister. Her love of children carried into her professional life and Judi became an elementary school teacher. Her first job was in Pikwitonei, northern Manitoba, followed by King Edward School, Dr. D. W. Penner School and finally Samuel Burland School, where she spent her last 2 decades as a classroom teacher. Judi retired from teaching in 2008, but continued to impact children as a substitute teacher, particularly with her beloved Bonnycastle School family.
Judi spent a remarkable 49 years serving in schools as a teacher, a substitute, and as U of W B.Ed. advisor. Her dedication to children and to the field of education was profound, and she left a lasting impact on all who crossed paths with Judi, child and adult alike – in the warmth of her smile, a gentle squeeze of the cheeks (Judi’s signature), or the look that made you feel truly special. Judi never wanted to leave teaching behind, even after her illness and the pandemic made it impossible for her to do otherwise.
Judi exuded love, joy, kindness, and sheer wit, and made friends wherever she went. She was a very proud member of The Penthouse Social Club, friends from the U of M days in the 1960s. In the ’80s, she joined the St. Vital Women’s Interest Group, where she and her friends got together for fun, different speakers… and a break from the kids! In recent years, Judi looked forward to seeing her retired teacher friends Fridays for wine and appies. Mom loved “a glass of wine with the girls.” She always said, “Look your friends in their eyes and say, ‘Cheers’, like you mean it!” An avid reader, Judi also loved her ‘young’ book club, commenting on how bright, talented, and funny they were. Our Judi was as warm and charismatic as they come, and forever young at heart. Judi was rich in friends. A particular thanks to Pattie Moore, Sharon Brokop, Kerry Kane, and Gina Knechtel (her “angel on earth”), for all your love, support, and laughter.
Judi’s beautiful smile always lit up the room, and nothing made her light up more than being with her family. She poured her heart and soul into raising her children, and she worked tirelessly to provide the best possible life for her family. In 1987, this motivated her return to U of M to complete her education degree. She continued to teach full-time, while successfully completing this courageous and monumental task, a true embodiment of strength. Judi recalled these extraordinarily challenging times, describing herself studying for another test, pages blowing in the wind, while watching her kids play in soccer or baseball games. In later years, at nearly every gathering, Judi often exclaimed, “I love all the laughter. I’m just so happy.” As the adoring Nana she was, she felt her grandkids were all geniuses. Judi read with them, baked for them, took them for ice cream or a swim, and supported them with school work. Her grandkids were her pride and joy; her “heartbeats.”
Judi was renowned for her baking. While the lucky recipients of her baking were usually students and colleagues in her schools, so many felt Judi’s love through her baking – “Jack’s Lads,” tradespeople, restaurant staff, in-home cable support… Jack, Val and Matthew would tease her that they would love it if she would just keep some of the baking for the household.
After Judi’s lung operation in 2017, she started a Gratitude journal because “there was always something to be grateful for.” At least half of the entries were about her kids and grandkids. Our precious mom, partner, Nana, Judi – we are forever grateful for you – for the powerful impact you’ve made to those around you; for your gift of connecting to those of all ages, effortlessly making them feel loved, special and full of potential; for your enduring legacy carried on by your children and grandchildren; for being our greatest inspiration and source of true strength, beauty, courage and never-ending love.
Our family wishes to thank Dr. and Debbie Homik for their dedication and care throughout our Judi’s courageous IPF fight, as well as the compassionate care of Dr. Kristin Heinrichs and her team.
A Celebration of Love and Life with family and friends will be planned for later this spring, when restrictions have eased. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF.ca).
10 thoughts on “Judith Lynn Broeska (Harrower)”
I still cannot believe that our beautiful Judi is gone. My thoughts, love and prayers go to all the people whose lives Judi impacted, and to her family, of which she was so very proud. I will miss everything about her but especially her beautiful smile and those wonderful hugs.
Judi had a smile that lit up every room! She was a beautiful person inside and out and I will never forget her kindness, her love of teaching and her knack for baking cheesecake! ♥️♥️
I first met Judy as a colleague at Samuel Burland school. Her positive energy filled the room. You always felt safe with Judy. Cheesecake in the staff room was the only indication that she might not have had a good sleep!!! Judy was truly an angel on earth. Warm, kind and loving are words that can only partially express the depth of her character. Love and hugs to the family. You truly have a guardian angel.
I first met Judy as a colleague at Samuel Burland school. Her positive energy filled the room. You always felt safe with Judy. Cheesecake in the staff room was the only indication that she might not have had a good sleep!!! Judy was truly an angel on earth. Warm, kind and loving are words that can only partially express the depth of her character. Love and hugs to the family. You truly have a guardian angel.
Rob and I met Judi through the Manitoba Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis support group almost 2 years ago. She was always so positive and caring. She cheered Rob on every time we had a meeting and was first to ask if he got the call from the Edmonton Transplant team yet. When Rob was raising awareness for CPFF back in August and September, Judi was first to comment on our Facebook group post about the video of him riding his Recumbent Trike with his oxygen hooked up to the back of it so he and Maggie could Run/Ride to raise IPF awareness. Rest in Peace Judi. From Beth and Rob
Judi was a very special, special lady!
I have known Judy since she taught with My Mom Anita Peters at King George, I was in grade 2, so I have known her for almost 50 years!
We would run into her over the years and saw her often with her girls at Maximes!
She was always so full of love and joy and so beautiful inside and out!
Anyway my beautiful Mom passed away very peacefully and suddenly the same day as Judy!
Her obituary is here also in Voyage
Lisa Moist
A “True Angel” in heaven has arrived!
Judi was such a beautiful classy, kind, generous and thoughtful (I could go on) VERY special lady willing to do anything for those she loved. Every time we met, I would get a wonderful warm hug and big kiss on the cheek… she was a truly wonderful spirit who brightened my days anytime I saw her. She shared many of her delicious recipes with me but my most favorite was her coconut banana cake so whenever I make it …it will bring back great memories!
My deepest condolences to the whole family there are no words to alleviate the loss you must be experiencing. Judi will be dearly missed by so many! You are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs to you all! I know you will have many loving great memories of your Mom, Grandma, Sister and Friend that you will be able to share and hold in your hearts forever!
I will miss you Jude…RIP my friend til we meet again.
Love/Hugs… Tanyse Woods (friend, co-worker and Judy was also my kids most favorite Teacher in the world) XO
Judi was a welcomed member to our staff at Bonnycastle School as a substitute teacher. We knew our classes were well cared for when Judi was in charge. She always had a beautiful smile on her face, was full of energy, made everyone feel valued and important, adults and students alike. Her baking was incredible and everyone looked forward to the days that she subbed as we knew we would have a treat in the staff room. Thank you Judi for being the wonderful, loving, caring person you were to everyone that had the honour of knowing you. You will be forever remembered in our hearts!
Condolences to the family from two retired Grade Four teachers from Bonnycastle School, Alanna Goodman and Helen Wieler
My sincere condolences to all of Judi’s family. A new Star shines in our sky!
Judi was a star on this earth. Her light of warmth, love,acceptance, cheerfulness, respect and total joy spread and touched the lives of a multitude of children and adults alike. You were a source of inspiration and total dedication as a wife, mother, sister, educator and friend. Your generosity with all those delicious cheesecakes that you baked and shared brought such happy moments to many. Judi you are one of the most beautiful person inside and out that I have ever known. You will truly be missed! Love you forever my friend. Rest In Peace dear Judi.
I am so sorry to hear of Judi’s passing! I did not know her well, she and I attended Windsor Park High School in the mid 60’s. I lost track of her after High School but I never forgot her, she was a delightful young woman!