Obituary of LAVOIE – Myrna Judith Judy

January 9, 1943 – April 24, 2011 We wish to share that our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Judy, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, in Calgary, AB at the age of 68 years. Judy was a free spirit who valued independence, the simple pleasures in life and the people around her. She loved her home and took great pride in running it with the precision and expertise of a CEO of a large corporation. She was an artist who expressed her creativity in her expertly decorated home, abundant and colourful gardens, masterfully prepared meals and love of Impressionist art. Judy loved the outdoors and was physically active throughout her life enjoying daily walks with her good friend Jacquey and their four-legged companions; excursions to Fish Creek with Gerald, their favourite place; and frequent trips to the Farmer’s Market. Judy loved music and could often he heard singing along with her favourite artists. She also had a competitive spirit and an affinity for the English language which was a perfect formula for rousing games of Scrabble with her children and grandchildren (she always won). Judy’s greatest love of all was her family. She maintained close contact with everyone and welcomed lengthy conversations on the telephone. She enthusiastically listened to her grandchildren’s reports of lost teeth, learning to ride a bike, winning a soccer game and being accepted to university. Her daughters will especially miss the almost daily chats, requests for family recipes and her words of encouragement, love and advice. Judy described the last eighteen years as the best years of her life. Gerald was her kindred spirit and together they built a wonderful life together. They were each other’s best friend and their love and respect for one another was unrelenting. In her final weeks, many members of Judy’s family, and some of her closest friends, had the privilege of sharing special moments with her. An outpouring of love and appreciation was extended to her from loved ones near and far. She in turn radiated incredible love, caring, courage, grace, dignity and gratitude which inspired those who were blessed to be around her during this time. Judy will continue to be loved and forever remembered by husband Gerald Hoffman; mother-in-law Jean; daughters, Lori (Allen), Tracey and Sharon (Thomas); step-children, Lisa (Mac), Tracy (George) and Dustin (Amber); grandchildren, Ethan, Avery, Zion, Rosemary, Lonnie, Alex and Dylan; sisters, Carole, Terry (Mitch) and Heather; brother Tim (Louise); and countless extended family members, friends, neighbours and community acquaintances. An Outdoor Celebration of Judy’s Life, at her request, will be held at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend this gathering of friends and family in Judy’s honour. Judy’s family will be purchasing a park bench to commemorate her life and love of Fish Creek. For those of you who are unable to attend her Celebration of Life you are encouraged to enjoy her bench when you visit Fish Creek Park. Thank you for the expert and loving care of Judy by her family doctor, Dr. Cunningham, and the specialized medical team headed by Drs. Fraser and Labrae of Rockyview General Hospital who cared for Judy during her brief illness; and the caregivers and medical staff at Southwood Hospice who cared for Judy, and supported her family in her final days. We love you Judy. Your memory and warm smile will remain in our hearts and minds forever. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Judy Lavoie, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.