JUDITH ETHEL MERRITT REID

(nee Nesbitt, December 24, 1932 - December 15, 2025) The daughter of Rev. Liddon H. Nesbitt and Ethel Lees of Ottawa, Judith passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on December 15, 2025. Educated at Elmwood in Ottawa, she remained involved in the school long after graduation, leading the Old Girls Association for many years and playing a key role in establishing the initial fundraising for the new gym. She also graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa. Judith was an Honorary Member at Minto Skating Club and was involved in the Minto Follies for many decades as well as with the senior skating group. In addition, she was an Honorary Member of May Court Club where she was part of the Marionettes in the 1960s and very involved with the Aberdeen artists. Christ Church Cathedral always held a special place in her heart, helping to lead the annual Bazaar and Holly Tea as well as other functions for many years. Her professional career was spent in real estate where she worked as an agent with E.S. Sherwood. She married the late John Grassick Reid on September 22, 1956, and settled in Manor Park, where they lived and raised their family for more than 50 years. She enjoyed traveling to all parts of the world, visiting friends they had made along the way. But she truly loved spending time with family at the cottage in the Gatineau Hills, tending to her gardens and relaxing by the lake. Judith is survived by her daughters, Susan (Mark Senn), Jill (Malcolm Speirs), and Sheila (Ryland Coyne); grandsons, Alistair (Anna) and Nicholas Senn, Ryland (Aimée) and Spencer Coyne, and Andrew Speirs. Also survived by her great-grandchildren, Apollo, Archer and Alinea; her sister-in-law, Wendy Nesbitt; and many nieces and nephews all over the world. Predeceased by her darling husband, John, married 62 years; daughter, Jennifer Lees Reid; and brother, John Nesbitt. The family gives thanks to the nurses, PSWs and staff at Governor's Walk who showed such love and compassion for Mum throughout her time at the retirement residence and especially during her final days. Family and friends are invited to visit the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor), Ottawa, on Sunday, December 21st, from 5-6 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Funeral service and reception will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa, on Monday, December 22nd, at 1 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in Judith's name to a charity of your choice, or to the Hospice at the May Court Club of Ottawa, to Christ Church Cathedral, or the Elmwood Old Girls Scholarship Fund. Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-233-1143