Obituary of Judith Margaret McKenzie

Judith, late of Regina, SK, passed away on Sunday July 12, 2020, at the age of 76. She was well-known for always going out of her way to help others and provide support to anyone who needed it. Judy was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she was a dedicated and loving sister, aunt, and great-aunt. Although her passing was sudden, she had made plans for her passing and made her wishes known to her family. Judy was very clear (as she often was to those who knew her) that she did not want a formal service; instead, she wanted to have her life celebrated by those she loved and touched. 

Our mother was passionate about so many things, which, in turn, shaped our lives and who we have become. She was extremely dedicated to social justice for all of her adult life. She was an advocate within the labour movement for more than four decades, and it was there that she found her identity and her purpose. She made enormous contributions to both the Saskatchewan Government Employees Union and the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses. She was also a fierce and powerful feminist and LGBTQI2S ally and advocated for equality for all - a value system that she passed down to her children and grandchildren, who joined her at protests and demonstrations most of their lives. Our mother taught us what it meant to be loyal and never hesitated to offer her help, and even her home, to anyone who might need it. Growing up, both her friends and ours enjoyed her hospitality and generosity, whether it was for a night, a weekend, months, or years. She became like an adopted mother to so many people we cared about - because that was all it took for her to care about them too. Our home was always open, and it is a quality that inspired gratitude and love from those who benefitted from her kindness. 

Our mother loved her community and especially her neighbours on Athol Street. She loved nothing more than to chat with others on her block and get to know the people who lived around her. She lived in the Cathedral Area for more than 35 years and has relationships with neighbours who have lived there as long as she did, as well as with new ones who had just moved in. She adored gardening, and her yard and flowers were something that she poured hours of love into. 

Our mother was a strong woman, and there are many who will join us, her children, in celebrating her life, including her siblings, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, our many cousins and extended family members, her dear friends that meant everything to her, and those from her community, who enjoyed her companionship and her loud and infectious laugh. Our mother raised us on her own, and the three of us (Marni, Brad, and Renee) are so grateful to see her in ourselves. We are grateful to have grown up knowing her unconditional support, her ferocious loyalty and protection, and her never-ending quest to make sure that we were happy and taken care of. We are grateful for the love and support she shared with our partners and children (Anna, Peter, and Jean; Barry, Amber, Courtney, Amy, Shane, and Mia) and their children, particularly Harley and Zanna, who both made her so happy in the last part of her life. We will forever miss her, but we are so proud of the legacy she leaves behind. Our family will be hosting a celebration in her honour next week and will share details as they are confirmed.