Passed away at the May Court Hospice after contending with aggressive endometrial cancer and three harsh rounds of treatment since 2020.
A dearly loved wife and mother, she is mourned by her husband Bruce Yemen and sons John and Stewart. Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, she was the eldest daughter of the late Eldor and Margaret Freeman in a family of three girls and six boys. She is survived by sisters Linda (Don Anderson) and Deborah (Dale Bolton) and by brothers Dennis (Joan), Barry (late Mara), Ron (June), Glenn (Sandy), Randy (Pat) and Greg (Deborah).
The only member of her family to settle east of Alberta, she ventured east to Ottawa in 1964 to attend Carleton University, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. She went on to work as a reporter for the Calgary Herald, Ottawa Journal and Victoria Times. Later, while raising a family in Ottawa, she worked as a teacher’s aide and at Maple Tree Quilts on Bank Street. She pursued her newly-developed quilting passion as a dedicated, longstanding member of the QuiltCo guild. She was also an avid gardener and reader.
Thanks to all the doctors, nurses and support staff who did their best for Judith during a difficult time of pandemic. Thanks also for the kindness of good friends and neighbours, and special thanks to her quilting friends for their steadfast help and thoughtfulness over the past three years. At Judith’s request, there will be no service. Friends and family will share memories in their own ways. Donation in her memory to Hospice Care Ottawa or other charity of choice would be welcome.