Judith Barbara Carnell
died peacefully on the morning
of April 12th, 2008. She
was surrounded by her family
and many friends during
her courageous battle with
Cancer.
Judy was born May 27, 1940
in Quesnel, B.C. She spent her
early years in Fort St. James
helping out in the family
restaurant, and went to high
school in Vanderhoof. In 1958,
Judy joined the Royal Canadian
Air Force and obtained her
Nursing degree. After graduation
at the top of her class, she
worked at the Air Force Base
in Gimli, Manitoba. In 1963,
Judy started her family after
moving back west. She raised
her children, and worked in
health care as a knowledgeable
and compassionate nurse, and
later became Administrator at
the Omineca Clinic.
In her late 40’s she left the
security of her job, friends
and home to face the challenge
of university education
in the helping profession.
She achieved her Psychology
degree with Honours and
returned to the community
she loved. After working for
awhile as a home/school
liaison for Saik’uz First Nation.
Judy became Counsellor/Administrator
at Vanderhoof Alcohol
& Drug Services, where
she worked until she retired in
October 2005. Over the years
she volunteered her time for
the Museum, Community Theatre,
Arts Council, Thrift shop,
Meals on Wheels, Drug & Alcohol
Task Force and Women’s
Wellness Clinics. She was
President of the Omineca Safe
Homes Society from its inauguration
and for mamy years
afterward, and knitted toques
for the Steven Lewis Foundation.
She was always available
to give a helping hand or a
word of encouragement. She
will be remembered as a person
who thought of others before
herself; she was devoted to her
friends and family.
Judy is survived by her daughter
Heidi (Brent), her son David
(Theresa) and her grandchildren
Ryan, Jamey, Spencer, Taylor
and Lexi; her mother Lillian
Carnell; her sister Jan Green-
fi eld (Russ) and niece Jenifer,
nephew Jay (Karen) and their
children Brendan and Kenna;
her brother Jim Carnell; and
best friend Connie Edgson.
This fun-loving, focussed and
hardworking light in our community
will be greatly missed.
Donations in Judy’s memory
can be made to the Omineca
Safe Homes Second Stage
Housing Project. Call 567-9959
for details.