Obituary of Judith "Judy" Peggy McPherson

McPherson, Judith “Judy” Peggy – of Bridgewater passed away July 27, 2024, in Mahone Nursing Home, Mahone Bay. Judy was born in Winnipeg in 1933, the only child of Audrey (Wannemaker) and Donovan McPherson. She spent her school years there and in Kenora, Ontario before entering the Toronto General Hospital School of Nursing from which she graduated with the Class of 1955. Within a short time, Judy moved to the United States to nurse in Chicago, eventually becoming the Director of Nursing at Bethesda Hospital and then at Swedish Covenant Hospital. In 1984 she did her master’s degree at Mundelein College (now part of Loyola), a private women’s college in Illinois, writing her thesis on non-traditional healing. Always a spiritual seeker, Judy was eventually attracted to the Anglican Church in large part due to the beauty of the liturgy, particularly the Eucharist. She returned to Canada to test her vocation at the Anglican religious community of The Sisters of St. John the Divine of Toronto in 1988. After leaving there in 1990, she moved to Nova Scotia with her partner, and it was here she died peacefully in the early hours of July 27. 2024 after receiving the sacrament of Holy Unction and with her partner at her side. For almost ten years, Judy courageously journeyed through the losses resulting from Alzheimer’s disease and an aging body, managing to retain her personality and her sense of humour.

A lover of nature, Judy found joy right up until the end of her life in being close to it, whether in her kayak, on a walk in the woods, beside the ocean, or watching the birds in the garden birdbath with delight. Also, dogs, horses, a good mystery, chocolate, her family’s long-time cottage in Delta Beach in Manitoba where she spent many happy times with family through the years, western skies, and Delta sunsets -and a good single malt scotch. She treasured her friends.

Judy was predeceased by her parents and by her much-loved cousins, Sandra Lamont and Dale Gibson. She is survived by her cousins in Western Canada, Lisa, Delaney, Patrick, and Kenneth and Cathy Lamont; sisters-in-law, Sandra Dunlap (Tom Crawford) and Ann MacDonald; nieces, Andrea Gonzalez (Leslie Atkinson), Sherry MacDonald and Jennifer Gelfand (Julian); nephew, Matthew Dunlap (Natalie); Always a source of happiness, great-nephews, Nathan Gonzalez-Atkinson and Ryker Gelfand; dear friend  since nursing school days, Carolyn Madeley; and her partner of thirty-five years, Katherine MacDonald.

Our very special gratitude to Reverand Simon Davies and Reverand Fran Boutlier for the beauty and thoughtfulness of their upholding of us over time, and at the very end of Judy’s life. Also, to Dr Gisele Marier, Dr Heather Johnson, Lois Ronalds of Continuing Care, and Tracy Stewart for their compassionate care. Our lives have been blessed by all of you.

No visitation by request. If anyone should wish to make a gift in Judy’s memory, Nature Conservancy, the VON or Holy Trinity Anglican Church would please her.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, August 1, 2024, in Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 78 Alexandra Avenue, Bridgewater. Cremation will follow.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater where online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com