Janet Judson (nee Orme), age 82, passed away peacefully at Emo Health Centre on January 9, 2025. Jan spent her final days there, at her home in long-term care, with members of her family and attentive caregivers at her side.
Jan was born on March 2, 1942, to Richard and Amy Orme (nee Noble), English immigrants who settled and started their family in North Branch. Jan lived her entire life in the Rainy River District – mostly in Emo – other than a brief return to England with her mother and sisters when she was in the second grade.
Jan was united in marriage to her husband, Gary Judson, on October 23, 1959. Soon after, they welcomed their sons, Morris and Trevor.
Jan changed occupations many times over the years. She worked in Johnny Martin’s store and restaurant (the present day location of the New Gold office) and as a telephone operator before Emo had dialable phones. Later, she took training to become a practical nurse – working for many years at La Verendrye Hospital. Jan also became proficient in accounting, and worked as a bookkeeper and helping people with their income tax on the side.
Over the years, Gary operated a cement plant (where the current Emo municipal garage is situated), a tire shop (now the Emo CIBC), a restaurant, and later his auto business in Barwick. Jan was an integral part of the backend operations of each of those businesses, apart from the demands of her own full-time work and raising her sons.
Jan spent the final years of her career in healthcare as a paramedic. She retired in 2007 as the supervisor at the Emo ambulance base, where she trained many local paramedics over the years.
Jan and Gary were very committed to the community. They volunteered together for many years to make the Emo Fair a success. Jan served on a number of local committees and was actively involved in supporting people in the Al-Anon program.
In retirement, Jan and Gary spent their winters in the south. They made many great friends and entertained many visitors at their home away from home in Mercedes, Texas. Trevor, Jane, and their children accompanied Jan and Gary on several of their retirement adventures.
Throughout her life, Jan never wanted for anything. She didn’t care what kind of car she drove, or what kind of house she lived in. She lived a very simple life and didn’t get caught up in special clothing, jewelry, or remodelling of her home. Her life’s ambition was to make sure everybody else was content, and to keep up with her many duties at home, at work, and in the community. She worked hard through many difficult times to build a life for her family.
Jan’s passing marks the first time since at least 1960 that the Judson family has fewer than four living generations. Jan is survived by her sons, Morris (Cindy) Judson, Trevor (Jane) Judson; six grandchildren, Emma (Corrie) Govier, Douglas (Peter) Judson, Maverick (Crystal) Judson, Luke (Tara) Judson, Janissa (Jace) Judson, and Jeffrey Judson; four great-grandchildren, Evan (Cass) Govier, Keira Govier, Dillon Govier, and Jett Judson; her brother, Arthur Orme; her sisters-in-law, Kathy Judson and Dianne Strachan; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Jan was predeceased by her husband, Gary Judson, on October 16, 2023; her sisters, Patricia Lundy and Mavis Izzard; her brother, Thomas Fraser; her brothers-in-law, Larry Strachan, Cleland Lundy, and Frank Izzard; and her sister-in-law, Anneke Orme.
A funeral service will take place on Friday, January 17, at 2 p.m., at Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ontario, with Rev. Ralph Fluit officiating. For out-of-town friends and family, the service will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVBxtFqPftI. Interment at the Emo Cemetery will occur at a later date.
Cremation has taken place. Jan’s honorary pallbearers will be Kathy Judson, Dianne Strachan, Linda Mann, June Winik, Anna-Mae Clark, Carol Mosbeck, Deb Halverson, Benita Reteif, Jane Judson, Douglas Judson, Maverick Judson, Luke Judson, Jeffrey Judson, and Jace Dittaro.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be directed to the Emo Hospital Auxiliary, P.O. Box 505, Emo, Ontario, P0W 1E0, or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be left at www.northridgefuneralhome.com.
