Judith MCTAVISH

JUDITH MCTAVISH Judith McTavish (aged 75) died peacefully in late January 2023, after a courageous battle against blood cancer. Loved and loving wife of Bernard Hallas. Dear sister of Bonnie (Greg) Holtom, Debra McTavish, and Bob (Lea) McTavish. Aunt to Matthew (Amy) Holtom, Alexandra Holtom (Gabriel Savoie) and Rob (Rachel) McTavish. Great Aunt to Abigail McTavish and Jack and Ella Holtom. Honorary Auntie Judith to Jennifer and Diana Withrow. Judith will also be greatly missed by her dear friends, many of whom date back to her university and law school days. Judith was an avid learner. She earned a BA (McMaster University), MA and LLB (Queen's University) and LLM (Osgoode Hall Law School). She enjoyed a challenging career as in-house counsel with several companies in a variety of industries. On retirement, she taught English as a second language with her husband at Qiong Zhou University in Sanya, China for two years where she also developed strong mentoring relationships with many of her young adult students. Later, she continued to share her legal experience by serving as a member of the Board of Directors of their condo association in Burlington. Judith had a keen interest not only in law and science, but also continued her learning in various other fields through extensive reading and research. Specifically, she became an avid stargazer during three winters on the Big Island of Hawaii where she especially enjoyed visits to the Mauna Kea Observatory. On clear nights in Burlington, she loved watching the moon travel across the western sky from their condo. Judith was very active and physically fit, enjoying jogging, walking and regular participation in water running at Centennial Pool in Burlington. She was an art enthusiast and collected fine art throughout her life. Judith enjoyed painting, paper making and paper collage and created many pieces of lovely artwork. Judith loved to travel and enjoyed learning about different cultures on her trips to places such as the UK, Holland, Hawaii, Australia, Spain, China, and South America. With her foresight and strength Judith exemplified for us all that women can be strong, accomplished, successful and independent as well as caring and supportive to others. She demonstrated courage and dignity in managing her various illnesses and ultimately facing her final days. As her health declined, she prepared herself and those around her for her passing. Judith has donated her body to the School of Anatomy at McMaster University. At Judith's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. For those who wish, donations to the Guide Dog Foundation of Canada, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, or your local food bank would be appreciated. Our sincere thanks go to the incredible Palliative Care team at the Joseph Brant Hospital (Burlington) for the exceptional care and compassion Judith received.