Judith “Judie” Ann Havers

We are deeply saddened to share the sudden passing of Judith (Judie) Ann Havers (née Barker) on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the age of 75. Judie is survived by her loving husband Rick, her beloved son Chris (Jenn) and daughter Leslie, her cherished brother Barry (Tanya), and many adored nieces and nephews. Judie is predeceased by her parents Russell and Anne, brothers Russell (Krisanne) and Richard, sister Kelly, and nephew Matthew (Andria). Judie was loved by her family and friends, and her “grand-dogs” Frankie and Watson. Judie passed away with her husband and children by her side.

Born in Flin Flon, Manitoba on June 12, 1949, Judie was the second of five children. As the middle child for the first 12 years of her life, between older brother Russell and younger brother Richard, Judie quickly developed her sense of calm during chaos. At age 12, Judie was overjoyed to welcome her sister Kelly, and a few years later, her brother Barry, and from that point Judie developed her caring nature, doting on Kelly and Barry as only an older sister can – even when they didn’t want her help.

Judie’s caregiving nature blossomed as a mother, and her love for and pride in her family was fierce. She took joy in supporting her children through all their passions, through childhood and into adulthood. She was there for their successes and at times, stumbles, and Chris and Leslie knew their Mom would always be their biggest champion.

Over the years, Judie may have settled into life as a wife and mother, but she never let go of her fun-loving side. As a young married couple, Rick and Judie shared a passion for Corvettes, and Judie loved driving through Toronto in her 1974 red Corvette. As she got older, her cars may have become more practical, but to Chris and Leslie, their Mom was still cool; her love of driving never faded, and the music she played in her car was always worth listening to.

Throughout their marriage, Rick introduced Judie to many things, but three became important fixtures in her life: Honey Harbour, Ontario; New Smyrna Beach, Florida; and Boston Terriers. Rick and Judie spent their summer weekends and, once retired, most summer months, at their cottage in Honey Harbour. The cottage became their second home, and Rick and Judie enjoyed many wonderful memories and boat rides throughout their married life. On their retirement, Rick and Judie spent their winter months in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, for nearly ten years, where they were able to enjoy the sunshine, the beach and great friends. It was at this time Judie also developed her love for NASCAR. Rick also introduced Judie to Boston Terriers, and Judie loved her dogs, and later her children’s dogs, giving them as much love as she gave her family and friends.

Professionally, Judie found great success in her career and was highly respected. After spending several years in Toronto, Judie and her family settled in London in 1980, where Judie grew her career at the London Region Cancer Centre and later, Victoria Hospital, as a communications professional. As in her personal life, Judie was known professionally to be someone to count on and to always do it with a smile. Judie took pride in her work, and valued the relationships she made in her career; it was here that Judie developed some of her most cherished friendships.

In retirement, Judie found joy in hobbies she could bring to the cottage, to Florida, or enjoy at home. Judie was a voracious reader and loved nothing more than reading a great book. She also loved word searches, with Rick cutting the daily word search out of the newspaper for her to dive into. She also spent many hours donating her time to Victoria’s Quilts Canada, London Branch, to comfort those living with cancer. But above it all, Judie’s biggest passion was her family and friends, and she enjoyed catching up over coffee, dinner, or even just on the phone, more than anything else.

Judie was a true light; she was a gift to her friends and family, and she left the world a little bit better for having been in it. She will be forever missed by all because to know Judie was to love her.

The family invites all to attend Judie’s visitation taking place on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London where a funeral service will be conducted on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. A livestream has been set up for those unable to attend the funeral service. Click on the link below Remembering Judie to register for the livestream.

Remembering Judie

The family wishes to thank the Princess Margaret and Mount Sinai Hospitals in Toronto for their care for Judie. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Judie’s memory to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.