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Judith KIRCHNER Obituary
Judith spent her early years in Snowshoe BC, centre of her father's lumber business, moving to Vancouver to attend Queen Elizabeth Elementary and Lord Byng High. At UBC she earned a Bachelor of Home Economics in 1960 and Dip.Ed. (Guidance & Counselling) in 1994.
In 1960 Judith moved to Victoria where she fell in love with a young lawyer, David Kirchner. They married in 1963. The following summer Judith travelled to Scotland to represent Canada as a highland dancer in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Judith's true passion and calling was as a teacher. She touched the lives of hundreds of students and was widely respected for her pioneering role in BC's Career Preparation Program. Judith was a tireless advocate for the students who thrived in this experiential model of learning. In 1989 she secured government support for the construction of a commercial teaching kitchen at Esquimalt Secondary resulting in a legendary Cook Training Program which graduated dozens of students each year, many of whom went on to successful careers in the food and hospitality industry. Judith also held leadership roles in the Victoria Acadamie of Chefs de Cuisine, University Women's Club and Teachers of Home Economics Specialist Association.
A lifelong volunteer, Judith served the community through the Salvation Army, Mothers' March, Georgia Strait Alliance, Peninsula Streams and Saanich Volunteers.
Judith loved backpacking and hiked many spectacular trails. She had fond of memories of her travels to Australia, Europe, Britain and Asia, and was an avid reader and supporter of the arts. But she was happiest on Gambier Island at the property she shared with her siblings for over 70 years. Long summers in and on the water, surrounded by her grandchildren and family, fed her soul.
Judith had boundless energy. She was fiercely loving and loyal, generous and welcoming, and outrageously fun and full of life. In her honour please consider a donation to the Peninsula Streams Society. A celebration of life will be held when we are able to gather again.
Memories and Condolences
for Judith KIRCHNER
22 Entries
Stephanie Iwaskow
December 20, 2023
So sad to see the passing of Mrs. K. I had her in 2002 in the Cooks training program, and she's the reason I even graduated high school.
Elspeth Armstrong
April 13, 2021
Such an accomplished woman, so proud of her children, wonderful friend with a marvellous sense of humour .. she will be sorely missed.
Rob Campbell
April 13, 2021
Mrs. K was an inspirational teacher. I was her student in the chefs training program at Esquimalt High in 86-87.
Trina Schaus
April 12, 2021
My sister Danae & I remember Judith as one of our favourite cousins with her wicked sense of humour & her zest for life. When my boys & Danae were in Victoria a few years ago she gave us a grand tour that they still talk about!! One of the memorable moments was of Judith parallel parking her car in downtown Victoria & banging into the cars on each side. I was a little shocked & made a comment but Judith said “It doesn’t matter—there only cars!!! “. We got a good laugh out of that!! She will be very much missed!!
Scott Chan
April 12, 2021
To my beloved teacher. I am so saddened by your passing and wish that time could stand still long enough for me to let you know how wonderful you are and how much you are loved. My time at Central Jr. High was special and memorable because of you. May you rest in peace.
To Lise and Matthew, my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Shirley E Nault
April 11, 2021
So sorry to hear about Judith Kirchner's passing. She was my home economics cooking teacher at Mount View High School in the early 1960's In my sewing class we made a storage hassock from a wooden cheesebox (don't know if they still have wooden cheeseboxes) She saw the ones we made in our class and wanted one. She asked my friend and I if we would make her one if she supplied everything. We did and she was thrilled with it. She was a great teacher and every now and then I would see her at Tillicum Center and she recognized me after all these years, I must admit I really didn't realize it was Mrs. Kirchner until she said who she was. I was so embarrassed . We had a lovely chat and that I think was the last time I saw her. I will remember her everytime I boil water or make a cake as she was my inspiration to love cooking. She was a remarkable teacher to many. My condolences to her family and her many friends and students. I shall remember her always.
Anthony Edgington
April 11, 2021
A true legend. Such a beautiful soul and that smile. Gold! As a former student of ESQ she will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Raj Purewal
April 11, 2021
Mrs kirchner was absolutely amazing human being and a teacher she touched so many lives....well be missed alot
Diana Cooper
April 11, 2021
I was very sad and sorry to learn of Judith’s passing. She was an exceptional educator and one of my favourite teachers during my years at Central (1981-1984). She was a genuinely caring person and always had time for the students, whether they were in her classes or not. I have many fond memories of her, and I hope her friends and family can take some comfort in knowing that she was much loved by so many.
Ilona Ugro
April 11, 2021
I am so saddened to learn of Judith’s passing. Judith was a very kind, generous and genuine individual with a wonderful sense of humour. Lise and Matthew, my thoughts are with you and your families.
Kelly Buccini
April 10, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Judith's passing. I had her as a teacher at Central Jr Secondary for Home Ec. She was kind, compassionate and had a calm presence. I remember her with great fondness.
My condolences to her family and friends.
Dana Burback
April 10, 2021
I had just recently stopped being teary, and now I'm teary again.
Judith was my dear friend for 30 years. A class act is what she was, one of the loyalist people I knew. She made time for so many, and I always cherished all the many times we got to hang out. So many laughs, and amazing talks. She supported me in so many ways as she saw me grow and mature through the years. So generous in so many ways. I will cherish all the memories that we made together. Some of my favourite times were just even sitting in her car and talking about life, going for a walk or just chatting on the phone. We did so many random things together She would even sometimes send me a note in the mail offering to take me to a show at the Belfry. I am blessed and lucky to have had the opportunity to take her for lunch at the Lure (one of our favourite spots to go) in late August. I will never forget our last email in March it was really amusing I will never forget our last chat on the phone and text about 10 days before she graduated from this life. We told each other how much we appreciated each other❤. Love you my dear friend, and I will miss you deeply, but will carry on like you would want me too by reaching for the stars. Rest in Power Jude xo
Scott Chan
April 10, 2021
I am deeply saddened by Mrs. Kirchner's passing. She was truly one of my favorite teachers at Central Jr. High from 1981 to 1984. I'm glad I had the opportunity to express to her on a number of occasions. I had hoped to arrange a visit once Covid19 restrictions lifted.
To my friends Matthew and Lisa and family, my sincere condolences. This is truly a loss for us all. What a wonderful woman your mom was and I will never forget her. May she rest in peace.
Scott C.
Ryan Richard
April 10, 2021
How to sum up Judith is very hard as she was always there for her students, generous to the community, and truly remarkable amount of respect.
Will miss our usual birthday dinners out for my birthday. She always teases the servers saying that she is my grandmother. She has always been there for me when I have needed a shoulder to lean on.
Without her acceptance into her program at Esquimalt, I would of never have been able to find my passion in the culinary arts.
Farewell “Gramma K”, until we meet again.
April Cammin (Thom)
April 10, 2021
I was extremely saddened to hear this terrible news.
Judith Kirchner was an incredible, empowering and passionate mentor..
She was my teacher during an especially difficult period of my life. Without her, I would not be who I am today.
I will always be thankful for her guidance, strength and her humour.
Rest In Peace
Barb Armstrong
April 10, 2021
We will all miss Judith; she meant so much to so many.
She made a difference and left her mark in the world. She will not be forgotten as we have her in our best and funniest memories. To Lise and Matthew and your families sincere condolences and thank you for sharing Judith with us.
Liz Andrews
April 10, 2021
Judith Kitchener was a bright and brilliant mentor to me. The opportunity she created with the Cook training program was so impactful as a young teen and into my life now. Her mentorship helped guide me with thoughtful discipline, creativity, empowerment and always fun. A beautiful spirit I will forever be thankful I was blessed enough to meet along my path. Thank you Judith for the love and passion you shared so generously with me and all your students.
Elizabeth Andrews(Blake)
Dale Kitchen
April 10, 2021
Judith will be missed dearly, I was one her many students that had success in the cooks training program at esquimalt. She was a great inspiration to me and a close friend of my family.
Sylvia McCahon
April 10, 2021
Judith was an amazing lady and a very good friend. She was a mentor not only to myself but to many others including hundreds of students over the years. She was an excellent listener and had a memory that didn’t quit. She always put others before herself. We had some fantastic trips together over the years with the Cook Training Program at Esquimalt School. She was the most kind and generous person. She treated everyone the same and she had the most fantastic and genuine laugh. I will miss her dearly and my overnight girls nights at her house. Condolences to all her family. Rest In Peace my friend.
Rick Underwood
April 10, 2021
A great teacher, a great mentor and a wonderful friend.
Ann Earl
April 10, 2021
The first time I met the Duncan family Bill and I had just become engaged, Christmas Day. We were invited over to Auntie Patsy’s for the Duncan Christmas gathering. I was so nervous! Judith was the one that greeted me first and welcomed me into the family! Made me feel much better and I shall never forget it. She was special to me!
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