1953 – 2024
Judy was born on October 2nd, 1953. She was the fourth child of Bill and Nancy Vivian and had three older siblings: Sharon, Dale and Billy. Judy was the baby of the family until Christina was born six years later, and from that day on was a little mini mom to Chris.
Even though Judy was a true prairie girl, her love of Faloma Beach started in the womb on June 2nd, 1953, four months before she was born. That was the day our grandparents, parents, aunt, and uncle broke ground for the cabin that would become our second home every summer.
Before Judy was school age, she would go to the lake with our grandpa Dixon (“Pop”) to open up the cabin, a practice that continued right up to April 13th this year. On that Saturday, Judy tried to visit with as many people as she could before returning to the city.
On her early visits with our grandpa, Judy and he would go fishing, go for walks, and later sit at the table and talk. They would also bring our family dog Bing with them. Bing was the beginning of Judy’s lifelong love of dogs. He had come into our home as a puppy but the dogs to follow were mostly in need of a safe haven, which they received.
Judy’s love of dogs never diminished and on her 70th birthday (12 ½ dog years) the majority of her guests were of the four-legged variety. Judy took up dog sitting in the early 2000’s and we are sure there are photos of her with a dog or two in many homes around the city.
Dogs may have come first but Judy truly adored all creatures. We would get the daily critter report from her at the lake, and it didn’t matter if they were domestic or wild, Judy’s report included them all.
Judy did like to travel, and her first major trip was to Europe at 15 years old to meet her new nephew, Peter. Her last was to Vancouver to visit Michael and Dale.
There was a common thread to Judy’s travel, it was the people at the other end. Judy’s love affair with Hawaii started in the mid 70’s and never diminished. From her very first trip she was treated like “ohana” by the people there. Judy liked nothing more than to sit around the table and “talk story” like a local. The everlasting friendships she made there are as beautiful as Hawaii itself.
Judy made five trips to Mexico and is remembered fondly by people in Puerto Vallarta, whose lives she touched when she visited.
Judy’s trips whether by air, train or car usually had someone at the other end that she wanted to spend time with. Judy certainly enjoyed all the places she travelled to but ultimately it was about the friends and family who lived there. There was one exception: Las Vegas. That was on her “bucket list”.
Even as a small child Judy liked spending time with the elderly. We lived next door to our grandparents until Judy was almost six, so she was at their house as much as ours. Judy really enjoyed sitting and listening to old people. Judy received a card on her fourth birthday from an elderly lady she visited often. She must have been only three when she first headed up the lane for those chats. There were many more elderly people Judy befriended over the years, and to our knowledge never, not even in her teen years when one tends to get a little self-involved, stopped visiting them.
Judy was a loyal friend and kept in contact with all the people who mattered to her. Besides her childhood friends, Judy made new ones in all her workplaces. Judy worked for St. Boniface Hospital, River East School Board and Safeway and kept in touch with the friends she met while working in those places. Judy’s many friends from the lake, both four and two-legged, will no doubt miss her coming out for a chat, treats in hand, to catch up on the Faloma news.
Judy was a blue bombers superfan. She followed them faithfully from the 80’s to the late 90’s. Judy held season tickets and attended not only the games but many practices as well. She also helped with charitable events, working alongside the players and becoming friends with some of them. We’re sure Judy cheered the loudest in her section.
We invite Judy’s friends from Salisbury Elementary, Morse Place Jr. High, Kildonan East and Miles Mac Donell High Schools, along with anyone who has any thoughts or memories of Judy to please share them with us. Judy’s family will also be thankful she was part of our lives for as long as she was. As long as there is a table to sit around to talk, laugh, and even cry, she will remain in our hearts forever.
“I have learnt that to be with those I like is enough.” – Walt Whitman
In lieu of flowers you can make a donation in Judy’s name to any animal shelter or animal food bank of your choosing.
16 thoughts on “Judy Vivian”
A beautiful video of this wonderful friend . Our deepest condolences to the Vivian family .
You left far too soon Judy. You will be missed.
Shelley Produn
Remembering Judy mostly from Morse Place Junior High. A gorgeous looking girl full of life and bringing her lovely lively nature to school and events. Sad to hear of her passing. My thoughts are with the family who lost a sister. Jane Little
What can I say about my beautiful friend Judy, there are no words to express how grateful I am to have had you in my life. So many wonderful memories You were someone that I could always count on for anything.
I will always love you and think about you forever.
See you later my friend say hi to Terry Potato for me.
Thanks Puddles!
A beautiful closing for a beautiful person. Even though we were cousins, I only met Judy a few times since two Provinces separated us. I will say that when we met, we had some really great conversations, especially when the topic was football and a comparison between the Bombers and the B.C. Lions was discussed. I remember Judy as being a warm, caring and truly beautiful person who loved to talk. She will be sincerely missed. My love to the family.
Chuck Dixon
Dear Chris and Family –
We are so sorry for your loss – Judy was a wonderful sister, and a better friend to all you siblings. It is a blessing that you had many years to enjoy each other’s company. I’m sure you have a whole lot of great memories that will provide you with comfort during this time.
Love Blaine and Dawn Ewashko
A lovely tribute to a lovely woman. We remember her with great fondness.
I’m so saddened by Judy’s passing. It was so unexpected. She was so lively and shared so many stories about the dogs, the lake, and family. I know that she will be missed by everyone she knows and all her furry buddies.
I’ll never forget the time we surprised Aunt Pat and Uncle Frank on their wedding anniversary. Having you all there made it extra special. May all your loving memories give you comfort during this sad time.
Judy, a good friend, affectionately known to all as the cookie bone lady.
Never did she not have doggy treats in her pocket. I remember when I first met Judy we had a small dog with wire brush hair called Velvet with a very independent personality. one day she went up to visit Judy and came home sporting a top knot with a pink bow in it, hard to do with only one inch of hair but she was Lady Velvet to all from that day on. Then we had Buck and Major and Judy was a big part of their lives. Judy always had a very positive outlook and could see the silver lining in every cloud, never complained. I knew her to have a huge heart and be a loyal friend .
I felt lucky to call her my friend and I will miss her.
When I first met Judy, she said to me (just like Great Grandma Dixon did) “Well, it took you long enough”. And that was it, I was smitten.
I would describe Judy as one of the kindest, most caring people I’ve ever met and definitely passionate about her “bombers”. Never one to sugar coat or mince words – she had me laughing every time I saw her.
I wish I had spent time with her in this stage of her life – doggy den mother would be exactly what she was born to do!
Sending the whole family our deepest condolences, she will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her.
xo Pam
Going to miss my fishing 🎣 buddy.
Dear Judy
See you at the lake.
I like the fresh blueberry pancakes
Always love beach.
2018
Judy A dear lifetime friend (family) who I greatly miss. So many memories. You are special to all of us who have known you . 🫶🙏
To the Vivian family,
Myself and my family are saddened by the passing of such a wonderful caring person I met in 1981 when I moved to Hawaii to marry my Island boy! As the years went by Judy would come and stay with us ( sometimes a month at a time)! My kids loved having “aunty Judy” stay. She was like having my sister with me here. She was a very passionate person with a very strong heart. She left us too soon. My heart breaks for here family left behind. Our prayers and Aloha go out to you all 🙏🤙
Judy you left this world far too soon. From the moment I met you through Dale I knew I was gonna like you a lot. You always had the best stories to tell and they were always so entertaining. I will never forget the summer I spent up at the lake with you and your family. You were such a delight to be around and always so caring and loving the entire visit. Every morning you made sure I got the rainbow 🌈 coffee mug 🥰. I know you’re with all your furry friends now loving it. I’m truly gonna miss you and loved you so much. Until we meet again my dear friend.
Oh and one more thing ” I AM SPARTACUS”