Judith Krafft

          It is with grief and sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Judith Marlene Krafft, nee Saunders; she will be deeply missed by her family.  She is survived by her daughter Robin, grandchildren Alora and Keith, sister Barbara Ann DeVos, brother Lyle (Linda) Saunders, and cousin Bob (Debbie) Lidstone.  She loved her niece and nephews, Trevor (Jessica) Brown, Meagan (David) Shaw, and cousins George Friedrich, Mary Beth (Steven) Burt, Cindy (Dave) Wood.  She loved and stayed in contact with all of her extended family.  Predeceased by her mother and father, Mary and JB Saunders, Aunt Doris Walls, Aunt Betty and Uncle George Friedrich, and brother-in-law David DeVos.

          Judy was a mother, teacher, caregiver, and friend to many.  She always had time to listen.  She wanted to help in any way she could, always offering sage advice and solutions to problems.  Growing up on the farm outside of Walsingham, she loved her horses, the swing up in the haymow, and wandering along Big Creek.  She grew to have an incredible and wry sense of humour, and laughter would often ring out from the old farmhouse during a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit after family dinners.  She was a sharp and flamboyant dresser, coordinating her colour palette and her unique jewellery.

          She loved to travel, but closer to home, she spent time in nature. Long Point, which she called ‘heaven’ was a frequent destination and she planned many camping trips there with her daughter and grandchildren.  She arranged vacations to Deerhurst Resort and enjoyed exploring and sharing adventures with Alora and Keith.  It was much more comfortable than canoe camping in the north, which hadn’t impressed her.

          In later years, Judy enjoyed watercolour painting, using beautiful landscape photos as her subjects, and gifting her paintings to friends and family.  Judy taught for several years across Norfolk County, including schools at Fairground, Port Rowan, St Williams, Houghton and Walsh.  Her students loved her and when they spotted her out and about, they always came to say hello and enjoyed a conversation with their favourite teacher.

          The family would like to thank the staff at Tillsonburg Hospital and Maple Manor for the excellent care she received, particularly from the palliative care team.  Thank you to Wareing Cremation Services for their compassion and support during a difficult time.

          In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date for close friends and family.  Wareing Cremation Services, 161 Broadway St., Tillsonburg, Ontario was entrusted with Final Arrangements. Messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at wareingcremation.ca