When my mother passed away recently, Judy was one of the first persons to send a kind note.  Ever thoughtful, I found her selfless act one that mirrors what she brought to the world.  

I knew and enjoyed her mother, went to Toastmasters with Lloyd and enjoyed every conversation at the feed store with James.  We were knitted together by circumstance and she remained a resilient thread over the years.   She knew - how to live on. 

As a fellow woman in agriculture, I often sought her wisdom and was boosted by her energy. As a friend, she brought me light and love.  Her radiance always fell around to match the light in her eyes and her enthusiasm was contagious. 

Ever gracious, her strong and gentle spirit will live always in my heart.  

My sincerest compassion to you all.  

With love and gratitude

Brenda Schoepp

Judy with her Cousin Doug Goertz

Judy raised some great kids.  The service for her yesterday reminded me of why she was such a positive force for good with all she met. It is reflected in the large turn out, the conversations and remembrances, and both small and large personal experiences she created.  She will be missed. And her remembrance is a blessing.

I was blessed to meet Judy in my teen years after Meghan and I became close friends. Many times it felt like she was a second mom to me who was always there, willing to listen, and just a calm/kind presence in my life. She opened her home to anyone and never seemed to mind when a huge group of us would show up, have an impromptu sleepover or if I ended up staying all weekend. I laughed when Ian mentioned her magical cure of brandy for colds as I know she suggested this to me on a few occasions.

She also got me one of my first jobs baking in the homesteader kitchen at the multicultural centre. One of the best parts of that job was watching Judy at work and seeing her passion for what she did. She truly loved her job and was always advocating for new programs. 

Meaghan, Reid and Catherine, your mom was an amazing woman and I know her  legacy lives on through each of you. Megs, it was obvious how proud your mom was of you. Seeing the line of work you are in now is such a tribute to who she was and who you are. My heart goes out to each of you and to Ian and his family. She was little but she was fierce! 

Judy was a true joy and one of those special people who made you feel perfect just the way you are. She made you trust and believe in yourself, take risks to grow and reach your potential. Judy was a guiding light for many and an inspiration to all!

July - you will be greatly missed!

Heidi

Judy was a rare and sparkling gem that made the world brighter without ever directing attention onto herself.

As a boss, Judy was a catalyst that set you up for success, making you believe in yourself and giving you the space to blossom.

As a true friend, she was  the one you could always rely on, share a good laugh, tears, discussion or healthy dose of mischievousness... Although Judy was younger in years, she made me wonder how she could be so much wiser! The terms 'Fearless Leader' and 'Influencer' should be reserved for Judy - the word 'Fear' was not in her vocabulary, and her strength, resiliency, kindness, loyalty and good humour left an undeniable impression on all the lucky ones who were part of her life! 

Dear friend, you left us way too soon! You shall never be forgotten and forever dearly missed!

I am positive I am not alone amongst those who hold Judy on the list their of favorite people ever. She had a profound impact on my life and will always hold a special place in my heart. Her kindness and quick wit were unmatched, but what really stands out was unending advocacy . My late husband James and I were just a tiny part of the many lives and communities that were touched by Judy's advocacy. Personally, I had the pleasure of working for Judy for 24 years. Her mentorship of Multi-Youth Productions was particularly impactful. Through this initiative (which remains unique and unparalleled), countless young people were given the opportunity to use theatre as a means of addressing important social issues. With little budget Judy found amazing opportunities and partnerships for Multi-Youth Productions and in turn , these young advocates were able to create powerful original musical productions that shed light on topics like bullying, substance abuse, and domestic violence to audiences throughout the province. Judy's impact didn't stop at the local level - she made sure that the voices of young advocates were heard far and wide. MYP's productions were featured in films, text books and at prestigious events throughout the province, giving these young people a platform to share their message of social awareness and positive decision-making.

I feel so blessed to have known Judy and to consider her my friend and mentor. It truly is hard to believe that I won't see that smile light up a room again.

To Meghan and Reid -- Much love and sympathy. Thank you for sharing your wonderful mother with us. She touched countless lives.

Meeting Temple Grandin

A beacon of light, a gentle soul,

Such a compassionate woman in our communities and so very sorry to lose her. My sincere conolences to her family. I had the pleasure of her acquaintance and admired her greatly for her unselfish gifting of herself to so many organizations and community events. She will be missed greatly.

Judy was amazing. She was thoughtful and passionate about her family and community. She always made those around her feel welcome. Rest in Peace, Judy. You made this community a better place, and you will be missed.

To Judy’s family, and Ian and his family, my most heartfelt thoughts remain with you as you navigate this difficult loss. Judy was a force of nature, as all have said before. Incredible intelligence, with grit, perseverance and an uncanny ability to see through all, and a strength and beauty that was her hallmark. The last time we were together was at the Stampede Chuckwagon races in a special box - VIPs all of us - or at least we acted the part. :D. Shortly after first meeting Judy as our public member on the board of the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors, she joined us in Athens for the World Federation Congrée where we met Ian for the first time. She was like an immediate honorary member of our profession and they both integrated seamlessly into our culture.  They were family to all of us. Although the years knowing her were shorter than many of her friends, we packed in a lot of lively conversation, deep sharing and great giggles. Just wish I had made it to one of the ‘Judy” parties where only women with the name Judy were invited. I shall forever be grateful for Judy’s warmth, friendship, integrity and leadership in her chosen pursuits of service. Her community was richly blessed and her legacy will endure time.

My condolences during this time of loss...Judy's sense of humor, gift of kindness and  her thoughtful ways were abundant. She was a treasure.

Judy Unterschultz defined the words “a life well lived”. We remember her as a highly energetic, vivacious person who lived and breathed the sense of “you can do what you set your mind to”. What she lacked in physical stature, she more than compensated for by her capacity to lift up all others. Whether she was involved in organizing a recreation program, or a political campaign or arguing for access of rural folks to urban amenities, to her days of running the Multicultural Centre as she would a loved one, she managed to put the interests of others first. She was not her primary focus; others were. Her accolades and accomplishments, of which there were many, she felt were deserved by so many others ahead of herself. The rest of us marvelled at how much this small bundle of energy could achieve. Judy’s personality lit up each room she entered and as I write this I believe that Heaven just gained another glowing candle. May the Lord of all peace and comfort, be with all who grieve her passing but who celebrate the blessing we all were given.

George (and Arliss) Cuff

Megs, my heart aches for you and Reid and your family. I can’t even begin to imagine the rollercoaster of emotion and the depth of loss you are feeling. Your mom was such an undeniable light that brightened every world she entered. There was no one like her. I will forever remember her generous and gracious spirit and contagious enthusiasm. 

 My most sincere condolences to all all of you. May you find strength and courage surrounded by the love and memories you shared. She truly did leave her mark on so many. All my love. Xoxo

Today, I was booked to have lunch with Judy and my heart ached through the noon hour as I deeply felt the loss of her beautiful friendship and her brilliant and compassionate mind. Judy was a notably wholesome person with a delightful nature, and I will miss her always.  

Every once in awhile you meet someone whose eyes sparkle at the world. Judy’s eyes sparkled when you talked to her about a new idea, a philosophical dilemma that needed to be solved, a political challenge, or a  human story about a family or friend. Judy was an incredibly special person to anyone who met her, she left you with a sense of wonderment and positivity, believing that if we could all come together we could solve all the worlds challenges! She will be missed by so many, including me. I will never forget her friendship, kindness and sage advice when I needed it. The world is a bit less “sparkly” without Judy. Rest in peace my friend, Rona Ambrose 

We only met Judy 5 or 6 years ago when Jorey and Meghan met and married.  Rick and I both felt an instant liking and respect for her.  She was straightforward and honest and didn’t mind telling you how she felt - like it or not, but with the right touch of softness.  We found that she shared our  views and it was always a good conversation when all got together. A genuinely kind and caring person.

You left us too early Judy.  You will be missed.

Our sincere condolences to all her family. 

Judy was a lovely person who was passionate about local agriculture and her community. She will be missed by many. My sympathies to her family.

Judy was one of the great community-builders of the Stony/Spruce/Parkland area; respected, smart, and always cheerful. And from 2013 to 2022, my wife Jean and I we were blessed to be one of her neighbours, often running into her while walking our dog. Our condolences, Ian and family, the area has lost one of its modern pioneers.

Judy was a force of nature! Strong and compassionate, steady and fast moving, encouraging and supportive.  The loss of this vibrate soul to her family, friends , our local and global community will be forever felt deeply. Rest in peace Judy Cheers!