Judith O'Donnell

It is with profound sorrow that the passing of Judith May O'Donnell is announced following a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer. Judy was born in Port Arthur, Ontario on November 5, 1947. She was the youngest of three children, Jim, Joan and Judy, aka the three J's. Raised and educated in Fort William, she remained a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay. A strong believer in excellence in education, she pursued post secondary studies at Lakehead Teachers' College and Lakehead University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts (English) and Bachelor of Education Degrees. Throughout her thirty-one year career with the Fort William and Lakehead District School Boards (McKellar Park-Central, Westmount, Riverdale, Shuniah Schools) she continued her studies achieving her Principal Qualifications and Supervisory Officer Qualifications. For years, Judy was active in professional committees locally and provincially, including Student Teacher Liaison with the Federation of Women Teachers and Teacher Education Advisory Committee with Ontario Teachers' Federation. She was an original member of ESAA (Elementary School Athletic Association) and a participant for the Writing Team of the Intermediate Family Life and Sex Education Program with the Lakehead Board. In high school Judy participated in many extra-curricular activities (volleyball, basketball, track and field, choir, orchestra, band and student leadership). It followed naturally that she would encourage similar pursuits for her students. These included school and Board level activities in sports, music, drama, Young Travellers' Programs, Carnivals. It was always with much pride that she enjoyed the many pleasures that her students experienced with these activities. Judy was blessed with a close-knit family which provided many happy childhood memories of family gatherings. She was thrilled to travel to England, Scotland, Belgium and France with her mother and aunt. She equally enjoyed her trips to Las Vegas (most recently October, 2007) with her sister and brother-in-law. Many other "jaunts" offering slots and "Red Lobster" were preferred destinations for short "Getaways" with family and friends, especially Pat Gravelle. Many of these trips were shared with her "Friday Lunch Bunch" and much enjoyed by all. Recounting the activities of each person in the "Selkirk Lunch Bunch" was always something to anticipate, as it was never known who would be the first to tout the wonders of retirement! Those who knew Judy will agree that she was a loving, kind, caring, generous and thoughtful person. She will be so deeply missed. Judy is survived by her devoted sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Harvey Hill, her loving niece, Joanne Hill (Toronto), her caring sister-in-law Dorothy O'Donnell, her kindhearted nephew Kevin O'Donnell (Lesley), great-nephews Bradley and Spencer, great-niece Megan, her loving niece Tracey Hoffman (Arthur) and their son Steven (Louisiana), her gentle niece Shannon O'Donnell (William Bolton) and many cousins locally, across Canada and England. Also left to mourn her passing are many life-long friends and neighbours who meant the world to her and who were such a source of strength, support and encouragement during her illness. Judy was predeceased by her grandparents William and Matilda Godfrey, her parents Roy and Margery O'Donnell, brother Jim O'Donnell, aunt Gertrude Pettit, aunt Florence Agombar as well as other aunts and uncles. A memorial service for Judith O'Donnell will be held at Jenkens Funeral Home on Monday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Deborah Kraft of St. Paul's Anglican Church officiating. Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery on Tuesday, February 19 at 11:00 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Should friends desire, donations may be made to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation, Canadian Diabetes Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Shelter House, Kidney Foundation or a charity of your choice. LOVE LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS"