Obituary of Judith Irene Wesman

Judith Irene Wesman (Balcom) 1945 – 2015 Sadly, after years of dedication to others, Our angelic Judy Has taken wing. Celestially, she will be met by her daughter Melanie, Devoted parents Leona and Burpee, Cherished brother Lou, And canine pal Morgan. We’ll meet again, Dearest. Husband Ron, Daughter Jennifer Round Hill, N.S. At Judy’s request: In lieu of a service, please say a little prayer For those less fortunate. In lieu of flowers, choose to donate To your preferred cause. Judith Irene Wesman (Balcom) 1945 - 2015 It is with deep sadness and warm remembrance that the family of Judith Irene (Balcom) Wesman announces her passing on Saturday, October 17th, 2015 at the Annapolis Royal Community Health Centre (Palliative Care Unit), with the love of family by her side. Born March 17th, 1945 in the community of Smiths Cove, Nova Scotia, she was the daughter of the late Burpee and Leona (McClary) Balcom and brother to the late Lou Balcom. She was also preceded by her late daughter, Melanie Wesman and a favourite canine pal, Morgan. She is survived by her husband, Ron Wesman and daughter Jennifer Wesman. Other Nova Scotian family members include sister-in law Helen Balcom; niece Patricia Balcom; nephews Robbie (Elisabeth) Balcom; Gerry (Leigh-Ann) Balcom. Additional surviving family include husband Ron’s family in Vancouver, B.C.: sister-in law Lorraine (Harvey) Webb and family; and brother-in-law Ken Wesman. Judy’s early years were lived out in Smith’s Cove and Bridgetown, N.S., where her father (Burpee Balcom) was to be the last N.S. Station Agent of these areas. Judy grew up with tides, trains, and tracks, and would become one of the first young women to win multiple sport trophies in her high school, which she prided herself on in later years. Judy dedicated her life to empowering and caring for others. She trained as a nurse at Wellesley Hospital in Toronto in 1967 before marrying Ron Wesman on October 19th, 1974 in Ottawa. She took some time off work to raise her family in Fernie, B.C., but would go on to continue a life and love of nursing in Waterloo, Ont.; Lillooet, B.C.; and Hope, B.C. Upon retirement, she moved with her husband back to her homeland of Nova Scotia, to Annapolis Royal--a short distance from her childhood homes in Smith’s Cove and Bridgetown. Judy was destined to return home to the land she loved so much. Judy lived and loved the art of Caring. Not only as a nurse but also as a mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend to many, she exemplified qualities of an “angel”, which many people saw reflected in her. She taught not the value of things, but rather the value of people. Judy also loved animals and nature. Her favourite memories were those spent outdoors: on outdoor skating rinks, ski hills, sail boats, walking through hills and mountains or along ocean tides. Though she travelled extensively, she always felt there were no place and no people like those of the Annapolis Valley; It is here where her life came full circle and, after years of dedication to others, she took wing to begin a new journey as an angel to the heavens, another star added to the sky. Cremation has taken place under care and direction of Kaulbach Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Annapolis. Suggested donations may be made (at Judy’s request) to the Annapolis Community Health Centre (Annapolis West Health Foundation, Palliative Care Fund) to continue to support others like Judy, who find themselves in Palliative care; her team of nurses and doctors did an excellent job at providing comfort and care to Judy in her final days. Online condolences may be sent to: www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com. At Judy’s request and in lieu of a formal service, please say a little prayer for those less fortunate and hold tight the values of care, compassion, and connection.