Tribute

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mom Judy-Ann on March 29^th, 2023 after a short battle with cancer.

Mom was born in Kimberley, BC to Fred and Lorna Jackson (previously Yakiwchyk).  Growing up as a Kootenay girl she went to Mount Baker Secondary School and was prominent in both the school theatre and the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band.  She kept in touch with her close school friends and was looking forward to the 50^th reunion set to take place this past September.  Her time in the Kootenays featured prominently in her song writing later in life.

After graduation Mom moved to Vancouver and held various legal and secretarial jobs.  This is where her musical journey really started to take shape.  She sang in the church choir, a folk music gospel group, took harmonica lessons and self taught herself to play guitar.  It was here she met Jim and in 1976 they moved to Calgary where they welcomed daughter Melinda and son Travis.

In Calgary Mom started crafting and initiated a local ladies Craft Guild.  Her and Jim opened a small business selling crafts, starting with home parties and working up to a retail space.  At its peak their business had over 500 craft suppliers and artisans from across Alberta.  In 1981 it was time for a change and the family moved to Victoria, BC and then to Sidney.  It was here Mom found her love of gardening, growing 65 varieties of flowers from seed.  The rural lifestyle was a good fit for Mom’s artistic endeavors, which included painting in various mediums.

After parting from Jim, Mom moved back to Victoria and later met Jake who was also a musician.  You could often find the two of them busking on the Inner Harbour.  In 2004 Mom and Jake bought a farmhouse in Chemainus to return to the rural lifestyle.  Over the next 10 years they enjoyed working on their property, performing and entertaining in the Cowichan valley, and travelling all over the world.  After Jake’s passing Mom continued to travel, visiting Australia and Europe, family in the Kootenays, and a trip to Vegas with son Travis.

Mom was a woman of many talents.  As a musician she played the guitar, banjo, blues harmonica, piano, and keyboard.  She also sang and wrote poetry and songs.  As an artist she loved colour, and her recent art works were full of vibrant reds, yellows, and blues.  She was always exploring fun new skills, such as yodelling, ventriloquism, playing the Irish tin whistle, and learning Spanish and Italian.

Mom also had a big heart.  If you met her, you likely shared some of your life story while she shared some of hers.  She was interested in people’s lived experiences and had a soft spot for those that had struggled, always believing in the good in people.

We will miss Mom’s music, her silliness and all the joy and love she shared with her grandkids.  She loved them all so much.

She is predeceased by her husband Jake, dad Fred, aunt Stella, and grandparents Charlie and Dorothy Shannon.  Survived by her daughter Melinda (Trevor), son Travis, grandchildren Hunter, Emily, and Cassidy, mom Lorna, brother Bruce, and her beloved puppy Lucy.

Celebration of Life (open house) to be held Monday April 15th 1-3pm at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1720 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo BC.  Please wear something colorful and bring a story to share.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local Hospice.