Judith Ann (née Wotherspoon) Rattray
March 6, 2020
January 16, 1947 – March 6, 2020
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Judy Rattray. She is survived by Doug, her husband of 53 years; her two children, Matthew and Rachel (Michael Mendoza); and her cherished grandchildren, Brayden and Nathan. Judy was the eldest of three children born to the late John and Mary Wotherspoon, of Oakville. She is predeceased by her brother Jock and leaves behind her brother, Richard Wotherspoon (Joanne), nieces, Heather (Albertson) and Katie (Hynek). Raised in Oakville, Judy met Doug while they attended Oakville Trafalgar High School in the sixties. They were married in St. John Church, Oakville on April 27, 1968. In Oakville, along with her personality, she opened a unique craft store called “Peggy’s Art and Artifacts”… like her, definitely ahead of its time. From there they moved on to Perth, then Stratford, and finally ended up in London, Ontario. Judy was the kind of mother every child deserves. She nurtured independence and supported choices, even if she didn’t agree. She encouraged the family in social and sport endeavours: organizing trips to hockey, swimming, school gyms, dance, baseball, curling, golf, world awareness and travel… along with the loved family cottage in Burk’s Falls, were common course for her. Judy’s sense of humour was contagious and when she entered a room heads turned, allowing her to establish life-long relationships… witness her financial planning career of over 25 years with London Life. She was the stabilizing rock for the family and leaves a wonderful legacy of many friends. Judy led this remarkable full life until she was diagnosed with a bowel blockage/bladder cancer in 2019. She was strong and maintained her sense of humour throughout, yet succumbed on March 6, 2020. She will be missed in our hearts forever. At Judy’s request, a Celebration of Life will be held at the HIGHLAND COUNTRY CLUB, 1922 Highland Heights, London, at a later date. Westview has been entrusted with handling donations and for those who wish to aid remembrances of her long career as a Financial Advisor, we have established a scholarship “J.A. Rattray Rising Star Trust Fund” for that career-minded star enrolled in financial services related courses at Fanshawe College or, if preferred, donations to the London Regional Cancer Program would be appreciated.
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(Donated to J.A. Rattray Rising Star Trust Fund)
(Donated to J.A. Rattray Rising Star Trust Fund)
(Donated to J.A. Rattray Rising Star Trust Fund)
Such an amazing woman. I see her smiling face every time I run by your home. She was such a caring person and always welcoming. My memories of her in Stratford are always fond. All my love to Doug, Matt and Rachel. May you find peace. Pa
Dear Doug, Rachel and Matt I will always remember Judy as an amazing person with a vibrant personality and so much fun to be around. Her quick wit and kindness will never be forgotten. She will be very sorely missed by all of us. Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. Brian
Dear Doug, Rach and Matt, I'm speechless, though we've not been in touch in far too long Jude and the rest you are always in my heart. Thinking about you at this dreadful time with love and prayers. Julie (and Nick)
Dear Doug & Family, my sincerest condolences on your loss. I only met Judy once, she was a kind and beautiful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Doug, Matt, Rachel, Brayden & Nathan...We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Judy. May her beautiful smile and loving spirit be with you forever. Thinking of you all and sending our love. xoxo
My dear Doug and family....so very sad to hear this news about Judy...such fond memories of our friendship in Oakville back in the 60's...I always looked forward to Judy's annual Christmas Card. As soon as I saw the address London, Ontario, a smile would come to my face....sending a huge hug to all of you at this sad time...Suzanne
Dear Doug and Family Am so sad to here this news. My condolences to you all. I fondly remember Judy back to my teenage years in Oakville. She was a lovely caring person. Colin Fell
Sincere condolences to Doug and family on your loss.
Judy was our financial planner for almost 10 years. Her every visit to our home brought a ray of sunshine. She was funny and vibrant. We would spend the beginning of each visit laughing and talking about current events & our cottages. Our deepest condolences go to her family.
Dear Doug and Family. How often do you meet someone like your Judy. Rarely for sure. The Rattrays have been in our lives for many years;since our kids were very young. How could you not love Judy-we often exchanged greetings on birthdays.Judy always managed to outdo me in outrageous cards. Always negated my Italian greetings. Always arrived with a smile and a laugh. Always remained a thoughtful friend. We will always think of her. AsAlways. Wayne and Diane
To Doug, Rachel and Matt, My deepest condolences on hearing of the passing of Judy. While I didn't get to do so often enough, Judy was always so warm and welcoming when we met at a function or I was invited into your home. She was truly the leader of a wonderful family and a little bit of her heart shows in in each and every one of you. I regret that I will not be able to attend her celebration of life, but please be aware I will be thinking of you all. Gord Fanson
It was always such a treat to visit with Judy. She has such a great outlook on life and a great sense of humour. I will miss those times. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Dear Doug, I am so very, very sorry to hear of the loss of your precious wife. It was evident how deeply you two loved each other and the beautiful family you created together. I only met her twice, but it was easy to see yours was the kind of relationship people dream of and aspire to have. My heartfelt condolences to your family and the many friends who dearly loved her.
Doug I am so happy to have met Judy at the food bank volunteer Christmas. Know that you are in my thoughts. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Dear Doug - I am so saddened to hear of Judy's passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Doug, I am so very sorry to hear about Judy. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I will always remember her as a vibrant and exhilarating person. She bubbled enthusiasm and happiness everywhere she went, but always left a little behind for others to keep on smiling.
Doug, I am so very sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady, and truly the love of your life.
Our hearts are broken with the loss of cherished Judy. No one could light up a social gathering better or faster than Judy. And oh how our cheeks & tummy muscles would ache from the constant smiling & laughter from Judy's presence. Like brother Jock, Judy was larger than life & such a joy to have befriended. This loss is enormous, but our infinite fond memories will help us all get through this time of grieving & sooner or later place us in a happy place once again. God bless your soul Judy. We loved you & will miss you tremendously. Love John & Barb xoxo
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J.A. Rattray Rising Star Trust Fund
London Regional Cancer Program
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I am gutted by the news of the loss of such a shining, joyous light in our world. My heart goes out to Rachel, Doug and Matthew. She will always be in my heart and memory.
~ Sandy Kay