Born Martha Kathryn Judith Irvine in Kelvington, SK on February 28, 1944, Judy was the oldest child of Forbes and Marie Irvine (Gugins). Judy grew up and attended school in Kelvington and Gilbert Plains MB before moving to Saltcoats in 1957 where she attended Saltcoats Elementary and High school meeting many lifelong friends. Judy married John Harry Watrych on January 26, 1962. The newlywed couple moved to the Outlook area for a short period before settling in the Bredenbury area where they started farming. They were blessed with three children, a daughter, Valerie and two sons, Greg and Stephen. In 1971 the family moved to Calgary, where Judy took on various jobs to help with the family income. Judy enjoyed camping with family and friends and many weekends were spent taking the trailer out to Drumheller, Pine Lake, Elbow Valley and the mountains west of Calgary. In 1982, Judy, John and their youngest son, Stephen moved back to the Saltcoats area to an acreage in the Perley district. This is where Judy developed a deeper love of music and learned to play the banjo and guitar. She was actively involved in the community and enjoyed participating in the community socials at the Perley school. Judy took a job at Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats where she was inspired to go back to school and receive her Special Care Aid certificate. Judy worked at the Saltcoats care-home until her retirement in 2001. On June 27, 1999, the family lost their husband and father, John. This transition was very difficult for Judy but she was always grateful for the support she received from friends and family. In 2002, Judy moved into the town of Saltcoats and loved her little house on Allen Street. In 2003, Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer and spent the next couple of years battling and finally beating the disease. Life continued to be hard and Judy struggled with other health issues over the years. The best times for Judy were with family and friends around the fire pit or at the campsite, playing cards and get-togethers. Her favorite times always seemed to start with "remember when". Judy was blessed with three children, two sons-in-law and two grandsons, who she treasured and adored and never missed an opportunity to tell others about. The family is confident that her friends have all heard repeatedly how wonderful they are. In early February of 2014, Judy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She spent the next eight months battling bravely, however Judy finally succumbed to her illness on October 12, 2014. Judy was predeceased by her husband, John (1999), her father, Forbes (1978) and her brothers, David (1946) and Doug (1969). Judy leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Valerie Spencer (Vaughan); sons, Greg (Nelson) and Stephen; grandsons, Justin and Michael; mother, Marie Irvine; brothers, Larry, Les (Emilie), Don (Nitasha) and sisters, Susan (Charles) Rowley, Eileen (Larry) Gulak and their families; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Eva (Chris), Sue (Jack), Alfred, Dennis (Val) and families, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from the Saltcoats Community Hall, Saltcoats, SK with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Ruth Datema, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore" and "Would You Bless our Homes and Families". Special Music was shared by Linda Datema and Connie Taylor, accompanied by Teresa Laycock, who sang "One Day at a Time". The Cremation Committal followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with Judy's children, Valerie, Gregory and Stephen serving as the urn bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.
