Obituary of Judith Sandra Sperry

December 3, 1947 - Montreal, Quebec

May 27, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Judith Sperry, beloved wife of Jonathan Sperry (nee Sullivan) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, at the age of 76 years after a brief illness.

Judith was born in Montreal, QC on December 3, 1947. She moved to Calgary with her family in 1963, where she graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School before attending the University of Calgary, where she earned her degree in Education in 1974.

Judith married Jon Sperry in November 1985.

She became a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in the community of Wildwood in the late 1980s; she felt that church attendance would benefit both herself and her young family. She acted as Rector’s Warden and was a member of the church altar guild. Judith thoroughly enjoyed these years of her life, noting that the responsibilities of these positions, and the social interaction with parishioners were enriching for her.

Judith accomplished much throughout her life and was particularly proud of the work she did as an Education Assistant at Vincent Massey Junior High where she served for several years.

Judith enjoyed working in her garden where she spent many summer days. She also loved visiting garden centers, where she shopped for flowers that would add to the beauty of her garden. Judith was an avid reader, an interest she shared with her son Patrick. Judith would often start her days with a cup of coffee and reading brief passages by Robert Frost.

Later in life, Judith became interested in her family lineage, spending countless hours researching her family background from both Canada and the British Isles on Ancestry. This passion for learning about her extended family led her to visit England and meet some of the family members whom she had researched.

Another of Judith’s memorable vacations was when she travelled to Southern Ireland with her daughter, followed by a solo trip to Northern Ireland the homeland of her late father’s family.

She will be most remembered for her love of planning, preparing, and entertaining family, celebrating holidays and special occasions. Judith enjoyed pouring through her collection of cookbooks to try new recipes.

Judith is survived by her husband Jon, eldest child Rob Commisso of Vancouver, BC, daughter Elizabeth, son Patrick, (Dolly), and granddaughter Nevica, all of Calgary, AB.

Judith was predeceased by her parents, Edith and Victor Sullivan; her eldest brother Victor Sullivan, eldest sister Irene Edward, brother Geoffery Sullivan, and youngest sister Audrey Sullivan.

Judith’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff from both the Tom Baker Cancer Center and Unit 32 of Foothills Medical Centre for their compassionate care given in Judith’s final days.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Judith’s family here.

In living memory of Judith Sperry, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.