Judith Anne (Mcfaddin) Sokalski

Judith (Judy) Anne Sokalski (McFaddin)

It is with profound sadness and immeasurable love that we announce the passing of Judith Anne Sokalski (McFaddin) a wife, Mother, Grandmother (Nana) and Friend on Thursday December 22 at the Woodstock Hospital surrounded with family at her bedside.

Judy was the strength pillar of our family and led a life of helping and encouraging others with the hope of making the world better.   We hope to carry this blessing forward for her.

Judy was predeceased by her Father and Mother, Cecil (1969) and Elfrida (1998) McFaddin, her beloved sister Patricia (1989 and her nephew Michael Sentes (2003).

Judy is survived by her devoted and dedicated husband Jerry who has been by her side for 56 years; her daughters who were her greatest accomplishments; Janet Morris (Rob) and Linda Levely (Andrew); her most precious Grandchildren Darren and Kevin Holden, Teighan Morris, Hayden and Breanne Levely, and her ever present fur baby, Jenny who gave her great joy during her down days.

Also greatly missed by Sister in Laws Helen Sentes & Niece Tara, Alice Gordon (John) & Nephews Patrick Matt, Lillian Badke (Merv) and Cousin Gillian McLeary. She will be fondly remembered by her many friends, with her wonderful smile, all of whom she cherished so dearly.

Judy grew up in community of New Toronto, Etobicoke on the shore of Lake Ontario.  Family was heavily involved in sports during the  40’s and 50’s.  This included the Argo Rowing club and the Toronto Argonauts football team of which her Father was President, Commissioner and then President of the CFL.  The prestigious Grey Cup was bounced around in the trunk of the family car many a time.  Judy continued to follow the Argonauts to the present.  To top all this off, she had to be on her best behavior in public school where her Father was Principal.

Judy was the strength of our family and a valued member of her community. Her passion was always to help others and make the world better for all.

As a first job, she worked as a Toronto Dominion bank teller in Toronto for 3 years while going to university, during which time she met Jerry.  Judy attended University of Toronto at Trinity College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a Major in French and Psychology.

After graduation in 1964 Judy joined Canada Manpower in Toronto as an Employment Counsellor / Officer dealing with finding adults employment opportunities, sending them for job training or upgrading courses.  She met Jerry on a blind date at a wedding and married two years later in May 1966.   Wanting to get out of the bustle of a large city, they moved to Woodstock in 1968 where she transferred to Woodstock Canada Manpower and worked for an additional 2 years before starting her family.

For relaxation, she enjoyed reading and cross stitching at which she became very proficient   making unbelievable Christmas stockings and wall hangings for many.

A devoted Anglican, she and family attended “Church of the Good Shepherd” where she held numerous positions while serving on the board.    As a Regal representative, she created a fund raiser for the church for a number of years.  After Good Shepherd closed, she attended Christ Church Huntingford as she could.

Judy volunteered at Birthright in the early 70’s and then was a member and Chairman of the YWCA Program Committee.   She also served on the Board of Directors and filled in as interim Treasurer.

During the early years of raising the family – she spent many hours watching and driving to various music concerts, camp activities  and swimming lessons, along with being team score keeper at baseball games.  Judy would never say no to a challenge or special task if it involved her family.   This all continued with the grandchildren as she would be in the stands cheering proudly during track and field meets, karate demonstrations, ringette and football games.  Rarely did she miss a school event or special occasion and was always the proudest spectator.

Wanting to be involved with young girls, she accepted the job of Director of Big Sisters of Woodstock – (the enjoyment of her life) where she  would  find and connect young women (Big Sisters) as mentors to young girls (Little Sisters) to offer guidance and support while she worked out of her home office in the early years.   Judy once again continued to make it her mission to make life better for others.   She was most proud of her “Tim Hortons” annual camp project for “Little Sisters” where she regularly received, obtained, pleaded for many more camp placements   than were first offered.  This came from a long standing and close relationship with Tim Hortons camp administration.  Other successes included fund raisers like the “Million Dollar Hole in One” and numerous public shows that were brought in.

As a result, she received the Woodstock “Community Champion” award for her work as Director of Big Sisters   In addition she was awarded Government of Canada “Certificate of Merit” for Community Service.  She retired from Big Sister after 22 years. From her early years working at Canada ManPower, to a long and successful career with Big Sisters, Judy made it her mission to make life better for others.  She succeeded, time and time again.

Many enjoyable family summer holidays (including one with family cat Scamper) were spent at Al and Dianne’s Pickerel Lake Lodge at Burks Falls with swimming, campfires, frog racing, and volleyball.   Mixed in were several trips east to the Maritimes, Newfoundland and west to Vancouver BC with her Mother.   Overseas trips were made to Hawaii and Italy along with numerous cruises with and without family.  For excitement, she and Jerry went on several wonderful RTO trips with the Puddicombe Groupies.

Once again not satisfied to be home, she put her ever kind, warm smile and personable nature to use at the old Woodstock Hospital in the hallway as an “Information Volunteer”.  She recently retired along with Jerry from the new hospital after 19 years of service.  During this time, she also volunteered along with Jerry doing Meals on Wheels for VON.

From her early years working at Canada Manpower, to a long and successful career with Big Sisters, followed by Volunteer jobs Judy continued to make it her mission to make life better for family and others.   She succeeded, time and time again,  She Joined the Woodstock Ladies Probus Group and held several positions – including  President in 2007.

Yes, she was a fantastic, awesome, and  fun loving Wife, Mom, Nana and an extremely good friend to many.  The latter years brought on some medical problems which slowed her down.

Stretching through the years, a close friendship   developed with a “Group of TEN”  friends  and the Southside lunch group.   During the last few years of Covid, these friends helped to keep Judy’s spirits up by visits, baking, flowers and telephone calls.  Ted and Joan kept our group together with Zoom calls.  In addition, the cards and daily phone calls, from Sue along with many visits from Carol and Nurse Scott made this time bearable.

Even as her once excellent memory declined, Judy maintained her dignity and enjoyed hearing stories about the family members or from visitors who stopped by for a chat.  She was always concerned that everyone was “ok” and would offer to help with whatever task might allow her to be involved.  Her love and fondness for family and friends was evident right until the end. Her love and memory will remain with us always!

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Woodstock, Alzheimer’s or Woodstock Hospital.

Friends are invited to visitation at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock on Tuesday December 27th 2022,  6:00 – 8:00 PM.  The Memorial Service will be held at St. David’s United Church, 190 Springbank Ave. N. Woodstock on Wednesday December 28th 2022 at 11:00  with visitation 1 hour prior to service time.  Reception to follow.  Cremation has taken place. Online condolences may be viewed and shared at www.brockandvisser.com