After countless appointments and tests, Judy was diagnosed with ALS in September 2019. It was then that Judy and her family discovered the hidden treasure of the ALS Society. Dr. Wendy Johnston, at the ALS Clinic, along with her staff, provided much needed support through in-person Team Meetings and many phone consultations after COVID hit. Whenever a need was mentioned, the ALS Society provided it within days. A porch lift in the garage enabled Judy to go out and join neighbours having coffee in the garage – this continued even when COVID required everything to be locked down. Other equipment from ALS Society included a wheelchair, a lift for getting into bed, a cough assist machine, raised toilet seat and many small items that made life easier.
Judy’s huge “Rachar” family holds a raffle each year at their annual Family Christmas Party with proceeds going to a charity of choice. In 2019 the proceeds were offered to Judy and her family to assist in her care. Judy, in her typical big-hearted way, insisted the funds instead go directly to the ALS Society. Judy worked for 40 years in a long-term care facility as a Care Aid. She often went in to work after hours to help if they were short staffed. She loved working with the elderly and was affectionately known as “Momma Judy” by the younger staff she so eagerly mentored. Her wacky sense of humour saw her through many tough times, especially during her illness. Judy loved to entertain family and friends, sew, and garden. If you ever left her house hungry, that was your own fault. When she was no longer able to cook, she gave instructions and recipes to her partner, Ed, preparing him for his future without her. Caring for others was Judy’s nature. Right up to her last days, she continued to care for everyone around her, including the Home Care aides who assisted in innumerable ways.
Judy passed away January 22, 2021, in the arms of her loving son with other family close by. Her mischievous grin and the sparkle in her eyes will always be remembered. ALS never dampened her spirits, and in so many ways, she was stronger than those she left behind. The poem below, written by one of Judy’s Home Care aides, shows the true impact she had on others. She is truly missed, and always remembered with a full heart.
Love: Ed, Todd and Audrey XO
Judy I love you so much today
I want to say that you mentored me from that chair
from that place that you are in right now, everyone of us
came through that door broken and left better than
when we came in. how many people actually do
something to fix broken people, you did, you didn’t care
what it took to fix a broken situation, you did it
anyway, the love I witnessed for your life partner Ed, it
was so amazing to see you hold each other up. I was so
incredibly blessed to have been a part of your
journey, your love for your dear Todd, how he knows you
will always be his safe place, you taught me to be
the most amazing mom and to fight like hell for my kids
always both feet in. Audrey was the keeper of your
heart, you let her know you will always be there when the
world closes off. she can still speak to you and you will
hear her. Judy in an unapologetic way, you held Steve’s
hand on Friday and between the two of you I witnessed
a promise that he will keep your sister’s heart, I love you
my dear friend, so very very much. I thank you for your
years of service that you gave to everyone in your career
as a healthcare aid but as a family member most of all. I
love you for taking me in and teaching me to love and to
be merciful, from that chair in that body you taught me
to love so fiercely, always know that I will be the best
damn HCA because of you.
~ Miriam Hofer