“So leave me if you need to, I will still remember

 My Angel flying too close to the ground” W.N.

BARKER, Judith – At home in the presence of family on Monday, February 19, 2024, Judith Ann Barker of London age 81.

Judi is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Grant, her loving daughters Sarah Barker (Campbell Brown), of Louisville Kentucky, Laura Kennedy (Michael) of Toronto and grandchildren, Madison and Chandler Brown and Charlie and Sam Kennedy. Judi is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Pat & Dale Pettit and by her niece, Erin and nephews Andrew and Michael. Judi was predeceased by her parents Oliver and Esther Glebe.

Judi was born in Kitchener, Ontario on November 23, 1942. Following her elementary and high school education in Kitchener, she enrolled in the nursing program of the Sisters of St Joseph in London from which she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1965. It was while she was at nursing school she met her future husband Grant who was attending The University of Western Ontario. Following her graduation, Judi nursed in Kitchener and then London. Grant & Judi married in 1967. In September of 1968, Judi and Grant settled in Toronto and while Grant finished his law degree, Judi worked for the Catholic Children’s Aid Society as a visiting nurse. In March of 1971 Judi and Grant returned to London where Sarah arrived shortly thereafter followed by Laura in 1974. Judi was a devoted mother. Having been an only child, she instilled a marvellous sisterhood in her two girls who remain best friends to this very day. After her girls grew up, Judi re-qualified at Fanshawe College as Public Health Nurse after which she spent several years in various community nursing roles. Still having time on her hands, Judi became involved with the Volunteer Committee of the London Regional Art Gallery where she became a member of the Board of Directors. She also gave her time to Orchestra London where she served on the Board of the youth orchestra and for over 20 years Judi held a sale’s position at The Innuit Gallery on Queen’s Avenue. Judi was a 50 year member of First-St. Andrew’s United Church and when her health permitted, a regular attender.

Upon their respective retirements Judi and Grant were blessed with many overseas adventures with trips to New Zealand, Australia, 4 countries in Africa, many countries in Europe, Russia, and China . In 2007 they joined the Mediterra Club in Naples Florida when they acquired a home in that community. Judi was also a long time member of the London Hunt Club.

Judi was dedicated to her family providing care and loving guidance to her girls and when they had their own families to her grandsons and granddaughters. She was a constant support to Grant and capably filled in for him while he travelled for work. After family there was nothing more important to Judi than her friends of which she had a great many. There was never a birthday or special occasion missed without a card or a call, always a kind acknowledgement.

Unfortunately, as time passed Judi developed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung disease which led, at the urging of Dr. Marco Mura, to her receiving a single lung transplant at Toronto General hospital at the age of 79. At that time Judi was the oldest person in London to receive a lung transplant.

Judi was a beautiful soul, to know her was to love her. She was an inspiration in her love of life, her concern for others and her unrelenting bravery in the face of daunting health challenges. 

The family expresses its deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care provided to Judi during the final stages of her illness by Dr. Mura, Dr. Hertzman and Saint Elizabeth’s Healthcare, particularly Nisha.

Visitation will take place at the Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond, on Friday March 1 from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm. The funeral will take place at Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, at 11am on Saturday, March 2 to be followed immediately by a family interment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and then by a reception at the London Hunt Club at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Judi, are asked to consider the IPF Research at Western University; attention Kendra Lealess, Western University, Westminster Hall, Suite 110, 1151 Richmond St. London, ON N6A 3K7 (cheques payable to Western University) or by calling 519-661-4200 or online at: www.westernconnect.ca/Barker