Judith peacefully passed away at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2010. She was born in Toronto, Ontario on May 1, 1950, the first child of James and Eleanor Esler. Judith is survived by her loving husband Barry Stein. Lovingly remembered by her; son, Jordan Buckberrough (Tracey); her daughter, Jaclyn Rose (Jason); her grandchildren, (Halla, Olivia and Sophie Rose); sisters, Pamela Collins (Brent), Elizabeth Tower (Steve) and Margaret Cudmore (Ric); former husband, Douglas Buckberrough; aunts; nieces; nephews and cousins. Special thanks to all her caregivers including nurses, homecare assistants and physicians.
Visitation will be held at McCall Bros. Funeral Home on Saturday August 21, 2010 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Judith’s life will be held at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets on Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with The Reverend Thomi Glover officiating. A reception will follow in McCall’s Family Centre at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Judith Stein Wellness Trust Fund for Adolescent First Nations Girls. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
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Stephanie Dening
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Eric Fleming Jordan, Jaclyn, Barry
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I stumbled upon it as i was searching google for Jordan.
I have never met someone so kind who welcomed everyone with open arms.
Please know that her passing was not only a loss to your family but also the whole community.
I will always remember going to your home in maple bay with Jordan, where i was treated like family.
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Kathy Clarke I became aware only today of Judith’s passing & send my deepest condolences to her family. Judith was one of my UVIC instructors for my nursing degree. She was so knowledgeable, committed to her work as an educator & a beautiful person. I was so pleased to learn that she had joined the nursing team at Health Canada, giving support to us nurses on First Nations reserves. Judith will be greatly missed. I will remember Judith fondly & I am so glad I had the opportunity to share a small part of her precious life. My thoughts are with you.
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wendy geddes I am so sorry about the passing of Judy. She was such a vibrant woman and I feel lucky to have known her as she was very inspiring and truly a kind person. I will never forget you Judy. wendy
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Peggy Boon To Judith’s family, please accept my most heartfelt condolences. I had the distinct pleasure of learning from and working alongside Judith to pilot the first Aboriginal Girls Circle in BC. This year marks the 6th consecutive year of Girls Circle. Through Judith’s steadfast commitment and transformational leadership, her passion became my passion, and the Girls Circle continues to take flight in other Aboriginal communities across the province. Judith was an exemplary mentor, a colleague and friend. I am thankful and honored that we crossed paths.
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Stephanie Dening Your family is in my thoughts and prayers…
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Bernie Pauly Judith was such a passionate and committed nurse who I meet while at the University of Victoria. Our paths crossed many times when we both studied there. I was alway inspired by her vision and knowledge of advanced nursing practice and the role of the nurse in promoting the health of First Nations communities. The other thing I loved was that she always made me laugh. To Judith’s family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Judith will be greatly missed. Bernie
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Lorelei Newton Judy was a true mentor and wonderful colleague, nurse and friend. Her commitment to, and love for, both her family and her profession was an inspiring example.
My heartfelt condolences to Judith’s family,
Lorelei Newton
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Carol Saunders Dear Barry, Jordan, Jaclyn, Pam, Margie, and Elizabeth
Judy and I have been friends since we were giggling, happy, 15 year olds. Even though I rarely saw her after the move to BC when we did meet we carried on as if yesterday.Thank you Pam for keeping me notified. I will keep her memory alive in my heart.
Love Carol
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Jo-Anne Shaw It is with great sadness we heard of the passing of Judy. She was one of the brilliant lights in this chaotic world. Our hearts go out to you; Barry, Jordan and Jaclyn and the grandchildren.
Yours sincerely, Jo-Anne Shaw and family
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Charlotte Thompson Judith put her heart and sole into working with First Nation’s communities in a variety of roles and I am honored to have called her a friend and colleague. Judith created the first clinical nurse specialist role in mental health and carved the way in a new land of nursing possibilities in FNIHB. She offered both of herself and nursing expertize in a way that supported others in community to create new programs or practices.
Barry and her family; I offer my condolences for your loss; the loss both as a wife, mother but also an exceptional nurse who truly put the care into nursing.
Charlotte Thompson
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Linda Blevins I knew Judy during graduate school at University of Washington. She was an excellent nurse and fantastic person. She gave a presentation to the Washington State Association of Occupational Health Nurses years ago that I still draw knowledge from. She will be greatly missed.
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Bonnie Sue My love and prayers to Judy for a peaceful journey. I hear your voice and see your smile in my mind’s eye. Love and tears are flowing in the same river in our family, with laughter and moments of despair. I am holding out my hand across the continent and embracing my brother and all the immediate and acquired families in B.C. Judy touched my life as a true sister.
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Elizabeth Pearce Dear Barry, Jordan and Jaclyn,
As a colleague of Judith’s I will remember her as an incredible nurse, mentor and precious soul who touched many lives. Her passion for her work will not be matched.
As a friend I remember Judith as caring and compassionate, always ready to lend an ear and always supportive.
Judith leaves a legacy of outstanding contributions, big and small, that have changed and saved lives in a way few have the ability to accomplish in life. Hers will continue beyond her time here with us.
I extend my deepest condolences to all of the family,
Elizabeth Flanders Pearce
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Richard Veerapen Dear Barry and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences at Judith’s passing away.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of a good friend.Judith was a strong guide to lean on as I commenced the challenging journey of working in aboriginal health, becoming a most dependable and understanding source of support and teaching as I learned about the needs of the community I served.
Judith significantly and positively influenced our thinking about mental health program design and delivery and she was ever the encourager even when she started to face her own health challenges.
The world of aboriginal mental health work in many First Nation communities will mourn her loss greatly.
My best wishes, and wishing you peace through these difficult days.
Richard Veerapen
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Carole Patrick To Barrie and Family;
I am so sorry that Judith’s journey has ended so soon, and send my deepest sympathy to you all in her passing. I have worked with Judith for just 2 years as we worked to help First Nations youth. My life is richer for having known her and worked with her. I will miss her a lot. I hope it is some comfort to you in knowing how much she was loved by many.
Carole Patrick
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Sheila Payne To Judy’s Family; I am sorry to hear that Judy’s life was cut short and that she left this world before I could say goodbye. I worked with Judy at York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill before she left to fulfill her dreams in B.C. We shared many of our fears and worries about our young families at that time ,and we visited her at the family cottage on Georgian Bay and once in Vancouver. We had in common that we were both from families of sisters, and there were other similarities between our daughters. I will always remember Judy suggesting that I come to BC to work because of the need for abuse specialists. From the condolences I have read it sounds as though the work was fulfilling and greatly appreciated there. Maybe I should have joined her. Judy was a kind,generous,compassionate and intelligent spirit. Please know you are not alone in your loss. Although we have not seen each other in many years, I always felt that when we met again we would just pick up where we left off. I hope we all meet her again somehow, somewhere. She has left much to be proud of and I hope in the future that will bring you some measure of comfort. Sincerely, Sheila Payne
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sheila bryan Dear family & friends of Judith: Let me first express my profound sadness at Judith’s passing and my sincere condolences to all of you who were so important to her. We were colleagues on the Aboriginal Leadership Initiative and worked together for about a year. She was a loving and compassionate woman who fiercely loved her work, particularly her work with First Nations people. I believe she made a difference in the lives of many through her professional commitment and dedication to ideals and they were manifest in helping others. We shared many a laugh and she was a great support to the project and its goals. She will be sorely missed in the lives of so many. I am honoured to have known her.
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Catherine Lang My deepest condolences to family and friends of Judith. I can imagine the hole left in your hearts by her passing, and hope that the many vibrant and loving memories of happy times you shared together will be a comfort.
I met Judith through my work with a First Nation in the northern interior. She brought to our discussions an openness and willingness to share her knowledge and insight on health and healing. It was clear from the outset that she was a woman of tremendous commitment, perseverance and passion in all that she did. Although we only met a few times, I am very sad that she’s no longer with us. Her passing is a loss to many — an indication of a life lived fully and with great purpose. May peace be with you during this difficult time.
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Pauline Terbasket To Judith’s Family
On behalf of the Okanagan Nation Alliance Chiefs Executive Council and Staff we send our deepest condolences to Judith’s husband, son, daughter, grandchildren, family, relatives, friends, colleagues and community. We had the opportunity to work with Judith when we were were working on a NAYSP Proposal, FNIH for a Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Program for our member Okanagan Nation communites. I became to know her as a tenacious, committed, compassionate womyn/Leader with a life time of experience and knowledge that she brought with her to every meeting and encounter. But more importantly was her way of wanting to acknowledge, respect and recognize the life time of experience, knowledge and wisdom others brought with them as well. I personally recall our first encounter when she called me on my cell. I was at an Elders meeting at Penticton Indian Band and she was calling about the opportunit y to meet to discuss a potential project for the southern interior. She did not hesistate to call when she had just left a meeting with Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and she heard him share the stories of heart break through tragedies on our reserves. I am certain when she left that meeting she called me. I feel i have to share this because for me, personally thats is where her work and dedication to supporting others in living healthy lives made a difference for us here in the Okanagan. The impact of this one phone call from one voice that didn’t know us from sam as she reached out and her reach will now extend for us throughout the universe. I believe she totally understood this connection by the way she carried herself, the way she connected with others and made her contribution which is now her legacy. A legacy that matters. A desire to make a difference in a complex world with complex relationshiops specfically between First Nations and all others. A world she truly loved, truly never took for granted and truly was living a life of purpose. I have fond memories working with her and knowing her even though a short time she will never be forgotten. Love, Hugs, Prayers to all that loved her.
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Assunta Rosal Dear Barry & Family,
Judith was a Visionary. She had an great love of people and passion for her work. I enjoyed the short time we worked together.
Assunta Rosal
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Jo Muxlow Dear Barry & Family:
Please accept my deepest condolences to each of you on Judith’s passing away. The Clinical Nurse Specialist Group has lost a friend, a colleague, a teacher, and a dedicated, commiited pioneer. I will cherish the work , the meals and laughter we shared together, and the fond memories for almost five years. Judith’s contribution to this world and the rich legacy she leaves will live on the heart and soul of the lives she touched.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time. Sending you blessings and strength for today and the days ahead.
Om Shanti Judith,
Jo
I hope you are all doing well and a little better with each passing day…bless you all…and all the Esler sisters…