Obituary of Reverend Judith "Judi" Kaye Phillips

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024 God called his faithful follower, Rev. Judith “Judi” Kaye Phillips home.

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 21, 1947, Judi was the eldest child of fishing boat Captain Joseph Raymond Mitchell and Jessie (Moulton) Mitchell. She was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Henry Nathaniel Phillips and her father.

Judi is survived by her sons, Raymond (Sun Joo Han) of Ottawa; Kelli (Gloria) of Lower Sackville; partner, Laurenda Reeves; grand-daughters, Jade of Lower Sackville, Leeila of Cole Harbour, Jessica (Wally) Boutilier of Chester; grandson, Stephen Harpelle of Lower Sackville; great-granddaughters, Arya, Madison and Allison; great-grandson Jackson; brother, Don (Lori) Mitchell and sister, Joy (Bruce) Bookholt.

Judi spent her youth in Fairview. As a young member of the Salvation Army, she grew up with a tambourine in hand or seated at a piano. Judi often claimed that this influence may have contributed to her liveness in the services she would later officiate.

Judi’s first career began as a bank teller with The Royal Bank of Canada; progressing through the ranks and moving from location to location, she retired after 35 years as the Branch Manager of Lockeport.

As an individual who did not like to sit idle, Judi began her second career as the Administrator at Surf Lodge Nursing Home in Lockeport. During her three-year tenure there, Judi received her calling from God.

In answering God’s call, Judi moved to Halifax to study at St. Mary’s University. She completed her Bachelor of Theology degree at Queens College in St. John’s, NF. Following her graduation and ordination, Judi began her third career as a Reverend holding postings in New Waterford, and New Ross. Retiring from fulltime ministry in 2016, she continued offering her time on a part-time basis to both Anglicans and Lutherans in New Germany, Newburne, West Northfield, and Mahone Bay. She filled in on other occasions when needed and assumed the role of an Honourary Assistant of the Parish of Bridgewater and the Conqueralls in 2020.

Judi’s deep seeded faith and passion for delivering the message was unphased by the COVID pandemic. She recorded video services from home as well as different locations throughout the local area and posted them online. Judi thoroughly enjoyed learning and trying different things. She always challenged herself with something new. Within the last few years, she went zip-lining and would have happily gone again.

A Celebration of Rev. Judi’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 4 in St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 340 Feeners Corner Road, West Northfield with Rev. Catherine Robar officiating. A reception will follow in the Northfield District Fire Hall, 2233 Highway 10, West Northfield. No flowers by request, in honouring Judi’s memory, donations made be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater. On-line messages and condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.