HORSLEY, Marjorie Judith "Judy"

February 26th, 1940 - June 19th, 2024

Judy was born Feb. 26, 1940, in Regina, the only child of Doug and Grace (nee Lawrence). She became adept at making new friends because the family moved a lot, before ultimately settling in Toronto and later Burlington. She prided herself on being an active and empathetic listener.

Judy got a psychology degree and helped run an adult day-care program before being hired by Mohawk College, where she taught psychology and literature in a fulfilling career that spanned 26 years.

Few people loved books and words as much as Judy did. She avidly collected the works of authors such as Isaac Asimov, Elizabeth Goudge, and C.J. Cherry. Judy also treasured the Harry Potter series of books, and was saddened when author J.K. Rowling espoused intolerant views.

Some of her fondest memories were of travels with her father, especially a canal boat trip in which the pair toured sites around Thirsk in England, where James Herriott wrote his classic book, All Creatures Great and Small. She distinctly remembered getting only a half-hour’s instruction on the narrow boat before they began traversing the canals of North Yorkshire.

Judy was a devout follower of the Dalai Lama, and revelled in his presence when he visited southern Ontario for 10 days of teaching in 2004. She practised her own form of Buddhism, valued all forms of life, and was for many years a driving force behind a non-denominational virtual prayer circle.

In 2017, Judy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She managed quite well at first, with good humour and a positive attitude. Over the past year, she found herself increasingly unable to manage basic aspects of daily living, to the point where she eventually needed round-the-clock nursing care. Given the progressive nature of Parkinson’s, she knew her condition would only get worse over time. With the support of close friends, she requested and was approved for a medically assisted death.

Judy was steadfast and serene in concluding that a quiet, peaceful death, at a time and place she chose, would be preferable to the degeneration and steadily diminishing quality of life she would face otherwise. She felt fortunate to live in a country that allows a medically assisted death for those with a grievous and irremediable medical condition. June 19, 2024, was her “freedom from suffering” day.

In the days leading up to her departure, Judy was able to reflect on a good life with many friends who were a source of considerable joy and comfort. “I didn’t truly appreciate how much I’ve had until I began considering my own mortality,” she said recently. “Now it’s my time to go.”

In Judy’s view, death was not the end but a step towards becoming one with the universe. She took that step with feelings of deep gratitude for the life she was fortunate to lead, and the support of many individuals over the years.

Judy wanted to express her thanks to all who have loved and supported her over the years, in particular Judy, Mike, and Dave Goeree; Janis and David Topp and family; Sandy Gibbons and family; the staff of Nurse Next Door; Dr. Susanna Yanivker; and Dr. Tara Lad.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith's Funeral Home