REMPEL, Judith Lorraine
June 4, 1943 - January 7, 2025
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our mom, Judi. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Judi moved to a hospice with the hope of spending Christmas with Jesus. She was granted her wish on Ukrainian Christmas day. Her excitement to meet the Lord was deep, giving us comfort knowing her wish came true.
Judi will be lovingly remembered by her husband and best friend Abe; daughters, Gerri Hume and Andrea (John) Fordham; and her grandchildren, whom she was so very proud of: grandson, Talus (Julia) Hume; her great-grandson son Rowan; and her granddaughter, Brooklyn Hume. Judi is also survived by her two sisters: Donna Cymbalist and Kathy (Sam) Honcharik. She loved and cherished her family, who were all very important to her. Family gatherings always brought a smile to her face and warmth to her heart.
Judi was predeceased by her parents, Roman and Marie Cymbalist.
Judi was born in Neepawa, MB in 1943. She was the eldest of three girls. At the age of four, her family moved to a farm west of Plumas, MB. She had fond memories combining with her dad, whom she loved spending time with.
Judi attended Plumas High School, where she met the love of her life, Abe. They began dating after a day of playing baseball and a night of dancing at the Neepawa Fair!
After high school, she moved to Winnipeg, MB, and attended MTI to take stenography. Once married, she worked for Prudential as a secretary. She worked until the birth of her first daughter, after which she became a full-time stay-at-home mom.
Abe and Judi celebrate 65 years together, with 59 of those years being happily married.
In 1978, our family moved to Cochrane, AB. Judi recalled watching the Man of Vision statue being placed by helicopter into its permanent location at the Cochrane Ranche. She loved living in Cochrane and proudly involved herself in the community, volunteering at our schools, becoming a Brownie leader, Pioneer Girl leader, and a softball coach.
Judi worked for the Cochrane Community Health Center and retired after 20 years of service. She loved her job and the people she worked with.
After retiring at age 60, she and Abe resided half the year as snowbirds in Mesa, AZ, in the community of Orangewood Shadows. This was one of her life’s highlights which she fondly looked back upon.
We have many memories of our mom doing so much with us. We took ski lessons at Paskapoo and enjoyed skiing at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, AB. During the Christmas season, she made gingerbread houses from scratch so we could decorate them with our friends and taught us how to decorate Ukrainian Easter eggs.
Judi was an avid curler and always made time to watch tournaments on TV. She loved playing baseball and never forgot the day she slid into third base and broke her ankle. It was a memorable moment because, after all the effort and sacrifice getting to third base, the ump called her out!
Judi enjoyed playing golf and played many games with friends. She enjoyed walking whether to work or for recreation you would often see her walking throughout the community with a smile and a wave.
Acts of kindness were her gift, demonstrated through cooking meals and baking. She loved inviting neighbors and friends over for meals or a garage coffee at their home in Gleneagles. It was common to see her and Abe entertaining with hot coffee and home-baked goodies. “Judi Hortons” was a hit!
Our Mom loved God and lived by her faith. She was a Cochrane Alliance Church member when the congregation met in the old Cochrane High School gym. She taught Sunday school and took part in women’s bible studies and prayer groups. She never missed daily devotions or prayer time. Her prayer list was long, and we guarantee if you were family or a friend, you were on her list!
Judi lived a very full life - “full like a shoe” she would say. She was very thankful for everyone in her life. The outpouring of love and attention she received this past year was a true testament to how many people were in her circle of friends and family. Judi wanted to give special thanks to the following:
- The amazing staff at the Bethany Care Centre in Cochrane
- Her doctor, Dr. Anna Tomanek
- Dr. Peter Duggan at Tom Baker Cancer Centre
- Richard Chan and his family at Cochrane IDA Pharmacy
- Dulcina Hospice staff
We will forever miss her love for us and her beautiful smile. An upcoming Celebration of Life to be announced. Please continue to check back once plans are finalized.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Bethany Cochrane Supportive Living, 32 Quigley Dr. #1000, Cochrane, AB T4C 1M2 Telephone: (403) 932-6422.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Judith’s family at MHFH.com
In living memory of Judith Rempel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.
