Obituary of Judy Thorpe

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, that the family of Judy, announce the loss of their mom, sister, grandma, aunt, cousin, and friend. She passed peacefully at the Temiskaming Hospital on May 22, 2021, with her daughter Kelly, and her great-niece, Lisa Mayhew, by her side, listening to her favourite songs she used to play and sing on the guitar. Judy struggled with many health issues over the years and overcame many health obstacles. She was a very tough and strong lady who fought hard and bounced back time, and time, again. She lived her life to the fullest. Judy was born on the 5th of Harley Township at home, to Roy and Pearl Middleton on April 22, 1950. She was the baby of 5 children: Murray, Jim, Ellie, Sadie & (Judy). The family then moved to their residence on Highway 11, known as the Limestone Pit. It soon became apparent that Judy was not a typical ‘girl’ and grew up helping her Dad in the shop/yard, and then, in the family business, R J Middleton Construction. At one point, she lived in Toronto with her Aunt Jean, and together, they survived some rough times. She attended College to pursue a diploma in Nursing in Haileybury. She then made the decision to leave nursing and find work in construction. She spent her work-life driving gravel trucks, machinery and, school bus. She was also employed at GDC for many years. Judy was even the first woman to drive a Uke (mining truck) in BC. She also worked as a cook, waitress and care- giver. Judy lived with Bill Jibb in Kerns Township where she took a hiatus from working out, in order to work in and around the farm. She loved operating tractors and other machinery and most importantly, being immersed in hard work and dirt; all while making huge batches of homemade bread and yummy homemade meals! Way back when ... Judy was part of a band, called The Mommas. Music was a huge part of her life. Judy was a person who could not stay still or idle for too long. When she wasn’t out visiting or having people over, she was helping others out or was busy being a volunteer for various organizations or clubs. This included volunteering at Kerns Public School (where her daughter worked), making Hot Lunches, baking for fundraisers, Apple Pies or to offer sessions to teach Guitar to kids as part of Career Day. She sat on council in Thornloe and helped to keep events occurring and the community together. Judy loved playing music and cards, doing woodworking and crafts and playing games. She loved flowers and gardening. She carried on the tradition of picking blueberries each summer. Judy was a very social person who had the need to be around so many. She was a kind soul who wished to help make everything better for anyone who she thought needed help. She welcomed so many into her home and around the dinner table. She adored her grandchildren and loved every moment she got to spend with them. She loved to show them off at the many Pot-luck suppers in Hilliardton. Judy was pre-deceased by her brother, Jim Middleton, sister-in-law, Judy, and nephew, Bobby; her niece Cindy; her brother Murray McMillan; her Dad and Mom, Roy and Pearl Middleton; her sister Eleanor Borgford; nieces Cindy and Joy; and two children, Shiela and Jason Thorpe. Judy leaves behind her daughter Kelly-Jo Thorpe and her step-daughter Tracy Marks; Grandchildren: Alydia, Aryanna, Sophia and Taylor Presseault; partner Rocky (Ronald) Lee and his children: Samantha, Rachel, Clayton and Jessica. Her sister, Sadie (Jerry Matthews), Sister- in-laws; Sister-Cousin Elaine Laffin, BFF Susan Farrow; many cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and a vast array of beautiful friends, far and wide. Words cannot even begin to express our gratitude we have been shown over the past while by so many friends, community members and extended family. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Victim Services of Temiskaming & Area.