July 27th, 1944, to January 4th, 2025.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Judy Ross. Judy passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 4th, 2025, at the age of 80. Daughter of the late Christine and Teskey Smith, Judy is survived by her adoring husband of over 53 years, Ian “Red” Ross, her children Charles Ross, and Megan Cuming (Jon), her beloved grandson Holden, her sisters JoAnn Moysey, and Colleen Baldwin, her brother John Smith (Lois) and many cherished nieces and nephews. Judy was predeceased by brothers in law Bob Midgley, Mike Baldwin, and Warren Moysey, sister-in-law Elizabeth (Ross) Midgley, nephews Chris Moysey and Andy Baldwin, and niece Robin (Baldwin) Armstrong.
Judy was born in Toronto and spent her high school years in Kitchener, before moving to London to do her undergraduate degree at Huron College. Her Huron years were filled with friendship, laughter, and late-night bridge games. Judy went on to pursue her teaching degree and worked first as an elementary school teacher and then as an English as a second language teacher in the various cities in which she lived. After she and Red married in 1971, they moved from Toronto to London England, to Ottawa, back to Toronto, and eventually up to the Collingwood area where Judy has lived for over 20 years. Judy was always up for an adventure, and she travelled frequently with Red and with friends.
Judy was the heart of her family, alongside her devoted husband Red, with whom she shared a strong and balanced marriage built on love, laughter, mutual understanding and respect. As a brave and independent mother, she created a childhood of joy and adventure for her children and their friends. Nurturing them, teaching them, and every so often facilitating an extra day off school. Her children’s friends remember her as having a warm curiosity, taking a genuine interest in their lives, who they were becoming as people, professionals, and parents, and being so full of love for everyone.
In 1987, Judy and Red bought a farm property near Meaford, which became the centerpiece of their family’s life for almost 15 years. Judy was responsible for property management and worked remarkably hard to keep things running smoothly, cultivating her beautiful gardens, and making sure everyone was happy and fed. She could usually be found outdoors, surrounded by a pack of dogs who some joked had the best life of any of us. She was the consummate host. Whether it was weekend guests, the Acowdemy Awards, or the legendary Killdeer Farm parties and tennis weekends, Judy’s presence enriched every gathering and her fun loving, inviting, and comfortable manner made everyone feel welcomed and included.
When not running the property, hosting parties, or making late night snacks for her children and their friends, Judy wrote “Good Grief, I have to Plan a Funeral, A detailed Guide to planning a Funeral”. Her book was the culmination of years of collecting and sharing useful and meaningful information about funeral planning, and helping her friends navigate some of the most difficult times of their lives. Her willingness to take on a difficult subject and make it practical and accessible for those who were grieving, is but one example of her thoughtfulness and generosity. Her book, and before that her “funeral file”, helped countless people face an inevitable milestone of life that nobody can truly be prepared for.
Judy’s friends, many of whom have been part of her life for over 50 years, describe her as authentic, funny, and deeply caring. In fact, Judy’s generosity, humility and quick wit are legendary. Even in the grips of Parkinson’s disease, and the onset of dementia, Judy remained a beacon of positivity and determination. She embodied a quiet strength that inspired those around her. Her sense of humour endured through every challenge and her impact on those who knew her was profound. Judy was a remarkable woman whose life was defined by her love, resilience, and unwavering commitment to those around her. Judy valued connection, laughter, and living life to the fullest, leaving a lasting impression on her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the caregivers from Right at Home, the staff at Raglan Village and Pretty River Residence, and the exceptional palliative care team of nurses, support workers, and volunteers at Campbell House, who provided all of us with compassionate care and support in Judy’s final days.
Cremation and a private family funeral have taken place. All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life to remember Judy on May 10th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Side Launch Brewing Company in Collingwood, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Living Better with Parkinsons (www.livingbetterwithparkinsons.ca) a charity founded by Red, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s in the South Georgian Bay region. Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Home – Collingwood.