It is with deep sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Judy Buchanan, nee Mary Doreen Judith Wedge, at the Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, BC, on October 15, 2025. Although she faced health challenges in the past few years, she had rallied and was living a good life before her tragic accident on October 10th, while she was doing something she loved – walking in nature.
Judy, aka, Mom, Nonny, Jude, Jude-woman was born in Saint John, NB on April 12, 1943, and soon after adopted by her parent’s “Betty” and Joe Wedge. She recounted a pretty idyllic childhood in terms of attention and adoration. She attended Catholic schools throughout her youth until attending Nursing school. During that time, she met a country boy who longed to be a city boy – David Buchanan. That union began in 1963 until his death in 2022. They had two daughters, Jennifer (Doug) and Sara (Colin), and five grandchildren – Austen, Luc, Lauren, Halle and Jesse. We have so many wonderful memories of mom/Nonny as she brought a light wherever she went.
Judy’s career was a central focus of her adult life right up until they moved from Saint John to Victoria in 2021 to be closer to family. Her career in nursing was impressive and varied, including obtaining her master’s degree at McMaster University as a mature student in 1987. She was one of the pioneers of the Bachelor of Nursing program in Saint John and went on to receive numerous teaching awards and accolades. She was respected by many in her field – serving on committees, being a mentor to others, and sharing her passion and enthusiasm for teaching.
We would most like for her to be remembered for who she was as a person – so much more than her accomplishments. Judy loved her family completely and unconditionally. She adored her friendships and nurtured them with warmth, humour, and genuine care. She carried that joy with her everywhere she went. She had a childlike innocence about the world that made her endearing to all who knew her. She was clever, creative, and always up for an adventure.
David always spoke of Judy’s adaptability and the time since his passing was certainly evidence of that. She lived on her own for almost a year before moving into Berwick Royal Oak Retirement Community in March 2023, where she developed a new community of friends and support, while also maintaining and fostering many from her life before.
Judy was a student of life – full of curiosity and wonder. She is not someone who will ever be replicated or replaced. Her legacy lives on in the joy she brought to others, the love she gave so freely, and the laughter she inspired. We will miss her so deeply and trust that she is surrounded by peace and eternal love.
As a parting message from one of her Instagram posts (sjjudy69): “I hope to go on appreciating the moments and times and significance of each of my todays. That way I won’t get caught up in assuming that I will always have good tomorrows.”
No formal service by request.
Photo video tribute: Mom’s Tribute by Lauren
If you wish to honour Judy in any way, please consider reading the poem below.
“In Lieu of Flowers” by Shawna Lemay from the book The Flowers Can Always Be Changing
Although I love flowers very much, I won’t see them when I’m gone. So in lieu of flowers: Buy a book of poetry written by someone still alive, sit outside with a cup of tea, a glass of wine, and read it out loud, by yourself or to someone, or silently.
Spend some time with a single flower. A rose maybe. Smell it, touch the petals.
Really look at it.
Drink a nice bottle of wine with someone you love.
Or, Champagne. And think of what John Maynard Keynes said, “My only regret in life is that I did not drink more Champagne.” Or what Dom Perignon said when he first tasted the stuff: “Come quickly! I am tasting stars!”
Take out a paint set and lay down some colours.
Watch birds. Common sparrows are fine. Pigeons, too. Geese are nice. Robins.
In lieu of flowers, walk in the trees and watch the light fall into it. Eat an apple, a really nice big one. I hope it’s crisp.
Have a long soak in the bathtub with candles, maybe some rose petals.
Sit on the front stoop and watch the clouds. Have a dish of strawberry ice cream in my name.
If it’s winter, have a cup of hot chocolate outside for me. If it’s summer, a big glass of ice water.
If it’s autumn, collect some leaves and press them in a book you love. I’d like that.
Sit and look out a window and write down what you see. Write some other things down.
In lieu of flowers,
I would wish for you to flower.
I would wish for you to blossom, to open, to be beautiful.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Buchanan” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Carol McNamee
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Lorna Perkins Dear Family,
I knew Judy for a time while doing clinical student teaching for the Nursing Faculty, and I’d had many wonderful interactions with her, always leaving her presence having been better for it.
The words you have written about her are easy for me to see. You obviously knew her so well and shared in her love and contagious kindness. My time was brief compared to yours, and I can only imagine the immense grief you feel from her absence.
Thank you for the beautiful poem, they are wise words to all. May God heal your broken hearts.
Sincerest condolences.
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Michael Foley I was saddened to hear of Judy’s passing, we worked together at Centracare in the 80s and she was always such a pleasant and upbeat person to be around. My deepest condolences to the Buchanan family. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.
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Heather Maughan I was deeply saddened to hear about your sudden loss. Please know that I’m thinking of you and sending love and strength to you and your family during this difficult time.
I met you girls and Judy through your dad, David. David was my mentor and boss at Family Services back in 1984, and we stayed in close contact over the years — sharing many coffee and lunch dates and thoughtful conversations — until their move out west. I always admired the deep love between David and Judy; theirs was a one-of-a-kind bond that will never be broken.
Your mom was such an incredible person. Her kindness, warmth, and generous spirit touched so many lives, and I feel truly lucky to have known her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those she touched — and there are so many.
Sending you love and strength. My heart goes out to you and your family.
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Lynn Kinsella Dear Jennifer & Sarah..I was so saddened to read of your Mother’s passing. As many of the lovely tributes say, she was a bright light who saw so much good in everyone and made the world a better place. She will be missed by all who knew her.
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Timi Hughes I have known Judy all her life. Her parents, Betty and Joe Wedge and my parents Kathleen and Owen Hughes were best friends “forever “. All good people… Saint John NB. and summered in Grand Bay. I also knew Judy’s sister Marie.
How proud Judy’s parents were of their daughters and their families. The last time I saw Betty we had an 80th birthday party for my mother. Now I am over 80! All good memories. I will keep Judy in my prayers.
Timi Hughes
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Jennifer Milbury Sarah, Jennifer and family
So sorry for your great loss. I recall realizing Judy was a remarkable lady in middle school. I had never met anyone who was a great mom and wife while also living away for a while to pursue her masters degree in nursing. Then when home for breaks, would still be just as kind and welcoming, calm and content . My best and probably most vibrant memory, of both of your parents, is seeing them sit in the evening under a soft light reading a book . Sending you all prayers and condolences during this difficult time.
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Ann-Marie Monahan My condolences to Sara, Colin, Jen, Doug, Austen, Luc, Lauren, Halle, and Jesse. Such a sudden and deep loss for all of you.
Judy and I met when she arrived in Nanaimo and took a job with community mental health doing adult mental health education with staff in the central Vancouver Island area. Though Judy was in Nanaimo for a relatively short time she made good friends and was highly respected for her work. Everyone missed her when she returned to New Brunswick.
Judy and I clicked right away and became fast friends. Her hallmark smile, quick wit and personal warmth made for a lasting friendship. Whenever we got together there was no lapse in conversation and lots of laughter. We’d set aside at least an hour or two on the phone for a good chat and catch up.
Judy created a family full with love, an abundance of true friendships and a career laden with accolades. She will remain in my heart and I will miss her very much.
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Bill Pickering Sara, Colin, Luc and Lauren. So sorry to hear of this tragic loss. We pray that you will find some peace and comfort as you read through the messages from friends & colleagues of Judy’s. You will all be in our prayers, especially during this time.
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Christy Simpson My sincerest condolences to you all. I met Judy in the context of the Professional Competencies Unit through the Dal Faculty of Medicine and so appreciated her wealth of knowledge, insights and questions about how best to teach, tutor and mentor students, along with her readiness to see the bright side of things and laugh. She holds a special place in my thoughts for sure.
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John Steeves As a newbie to Saint John, I was fortunate to meet Judy in 2006. Her innovative and passionate, persistent approach and infective energy to growing Interprofessional health education encouraged us all to be the best we could be. Fun was sure to be at the center of any activity involving her.
She was key to the development of the HELP group ( Health Educator Learning Partnership). Although we were all functioning outside of our professional institutions, she kept us together for 10 years until the goal was reached of incorporating interprofessional curriculum in everyone’s programs in Saint John.
As the Founding Medical Dean, I was delighted when on retirement from Nursing and she agreed to become a member of the core curriculum teaching faculty in the newly established regional medical campus of Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. Not surprisingly, she soon became a leader not only locally but, in both Halifax and New Brunswick as she shaped future physicians.
Thank you for sharing the quintessential picture of Judy with a big smile and big glass of wine relaxing at a meeting. The poem and its life message allows Judy to continue to inspire all who knew her to make the most of our lives today.
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Shelly Graham Sara and Jennifer please accept my sincere condolences .Your mom was a great lady whom I enjoyed having many wonderful conversations with. Our paths crossed on many occasions as I used to babysit you both many years ago when you lived in Saint John. Since your Dad and I were related we met at many family gatherings and events. During my professional career as a Social Worker we would attend functions together along with your Dad. Please know I will be thinking of you all as you go through this difficult time. Hugs to all. Take care.
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Loretta Waycott I had the pleasure of having Judy as an instructor in nursing school. She was a memorable teacher with wit, kindness, and a passion to make her students strive for the best. Forward a few years, I had the joy of working with her as a peer at UNBSJ and always try to emulate her approach in teaching, kindness, and pushing students to be their best selves. As with others, she brought me into the fold of interprofessional educators. Her vision of what should be can never be underestimated. Truly one of a kind. I am so sorry for yours and this world’s loss.
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Vicki porter I have known Judy for many years. We became extremely good friends. I will miss her terribly. Judy was one of a kind. Judy had so many qualities – kind, thoughtful, generous, witty, extremely intelligent, a pleasure to be with and always so much fun.. She will be missed but absolutely never forgotten. My sincere condolences to the family
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David creelman Judy was amazingly committed to the profession of nursing, to her students, and to helping her colleagues at UNB become more effective teachers. She was joyful and hopeful and I loved working with her. Condolences to all her family. She spoke so often and so lovingly of you all.
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Lucy Wilson I knew Judy here at UNBSJ and she was always a source of laughter and good sense: silly in a wise way, knowing how to enjoy herself and bring others along with her. I am sorry for you in your loss of her, but you will have your memories of her to keep you happy.
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Andy Britton Sara,Jennifer and family; I am profoundly saddened for your loss. This world needs more Judy Buchanans! The tributes are amazing and speak to her many professional contributions and accomplishments. I knew Judy and David as friends, special friends. I was honoured to have been able to keep in touch with Judy these last few years…and now I shall miss her forever. Hold close the memories you have and be proud to have been such a large part of her life.
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Lisa Gallant Sara, Colin, Luc and Lauren- I’m so very sorry for your loss. I know how close you all were to Judy, and losing her so suddenly will be very difficult. I’m thinking of you all and sending love. xoxo
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Anne Timms Sara and family
To say I am sad/ devastated is an understatement.
My heart goes out to you and that void will have to be filled with the warm memories and that mischievous smile and wicked wit , I loved.
Your mother has been an inspiration to me over these past 33 years since we met and it was her endless energy and quick mind that pulled me into teaching both at UNBSJ Nursing and Dalhousie Medicine NB.
She was always my “go to” person whether it be personal or professional and how I loved our walks at Rockwood Park, and along the river here in KV Renforth park.
I might also mention the glasses of wine in the living room as David would say hello and then left us “nurses” to chat!
I have sent an “Ode to Judy” I wrote on her retirement at UNBSJ and I know you have the book we cheerleaders at both Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick and UNBSJ put together when she travelled to Victoria to be with her loving family.
I am still at a loss for words except, she was and is well loved and will be in my heart forever.
Bless you all and I am so glad I sent her that picture of our KV river before she passed.
Anne
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Angela Banks Judy was such a wonderful person and one of my favourite professors when I was in nursing school at UNBSJ in the early 2000s. This obituary so perfectly captures how I remember her, the childlike wonder in a woman who was also so intelligent and kind. It shows that that was her, she did not put on airs in the classroom and was the same person no matter where she went or who she was with. Adaptable, but genuine.
So very sorry for this loss. The poem is a lovely tribute.
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Karen Furlong I am deeply saddened to hear of Judy’s passing. I had the privilege of working alongside Judy for many years – she was a true mentor to me during my early years at UNB.
Judy’s passion for teaching and learning inspired me greatly as I began my journey as an educator. I will always remember Judy’s remarkable ability to light up a room with her warmth, wisdom, and humour.
Judy was held in the highest regard by all of us who had the privilege to work with her.
My sincerest condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved Judy.
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Ben Capps Judy was the first colleague to welcome me to Canada; her instant friendliness was all that I needed to settle into a new life halfway around the world. Over the next ten years she mentored me in the art of navigating a Canadian medical school; she was dedicated to the education of each generation of students, and I believe changed many communities for better health. After her move out west, we often talked online; and we would talk about our shared love of nature – our last chat was about the origins of music in bird songs, and she offered to read the first draft of my book on environmentalism. We would often share photos – the ducks on one of her walks, me and my cat. I will miss Judy. Sincerest condolences.
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Laurie Higgins I am saddened to hear of your loss. Judy had an immense impact in my nursing career, guiding me with her knowledge and interest. She was an amazing mentor and a wonderful friend.
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Elaine and Rob Doel Jen, Doug, Sara, Colin and family, our thoughts are with you all at this time. What a completely beautiful tribute you have written in her memory. And I shall never forget the poem. I felt like I knew your mum probably better than I did as I loved reading her Instagram messages which were always so full of hope and love of nature and life. I know you’ll miss her terribly. All our love, Elaine and Rob.
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Koula Vasilopoulos My heart aches for you all as you navigate this immeasurable loss. Judy was an extraordinary individual who was beyond proud of her family. The tribute and poem were such a perfect reflection of her and all that she was. I know she will be deeply missed and I wish you all strength, much love and support in the days ahead. Rest in Peace Judy and sending love and support to you all.
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Tammie Black Judy was the first person to invite me in to an interprofessional committee on Tucker Park in the mid 2000s. It was the start of something wonderful, including so many student functions and new friendships across different professions and institutions. We can’t thank her enough for all she did for healthcare. Judy will be remembered by me as a quiet but spunky, soft but smart, truly inclusive leader.
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Brenda Kinney Dear Sara, Jennifer, family and Judy’s beloved grandchildren,
Judy was so very special to me, she was a mentor, teacher, confidante, founding member of “The 4 Winds”(Judy, Roberta, Brenda, & Brenda) :), always a supportive voice, but most of all Judy was my much loved friend. I have so many wonderful memories of our work, travel, lunches and suppers, and many glasses of wine!
I was so blessed to have visited with her in the summer of 2023 and enjoyed tagging along on her nature walks, that weekend holds a special place in my heart. There will never be another Judy, her smile was infectious and often meant she was up to something! Thinking of you all as you hold your precious memories close during this difficult time. Brenda
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Keith Wilson I have so many fond memories of teaching with Judy at the medical school in Saint John. We were paired tutors for the professional competencies unit. We instantly bonded and served together in that role for nearly a decade – I learned so much from Judy. Her enthusiasm for teaching left a mark on all of our students – I am so thankful that DMNB believed in an interdisciplinary co-tutor model. It has been great to keep in touch since her move to Victoria – she always brings joy. We were particularly delighted to hang out for a bit last autumn at the Berwick Royal Oak. I will miss her spirit, joy and counsel. Sincerest condolences.
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Suzi I’m so very sorry for your loss. What a difficult time.
This is a wonderful and very heartfelt tribute. Sending healing thoughts.
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Lisa Best Hello, I’m so sorry for your loss. Judy was simply a wonderful person. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to know her.
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Kirsten I never met Judy as I have only recently met and befriended her daughter Sara but the beautifully written obituary and photo montage make me wish I had. In lieu of flowers will remain with me for a long time. Love and condolences to all the family at this very difficult time.
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Allan Thomson I was so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was the rock in the Buchanan household, as well as the anchor to Jennifer, Sarah, as well as David. I met David, and later Judy and family in 1974 when I started work at Family Services in Saint John. It was the beginning of close to fifty year friendship and many hundreds of conversations with David each which always included a mention of Judy. He was so proud of her professional accomplishments. He always spoke of her close relationship and influence on Jennifer and Sarah. He always spoke of her wisdom, of her support and of her patience and her intelligence. She was someone who could also be described in one word, that is “content” wherever life took her and wherever she lived. To Jennifer, Sarah and Judy’s grandchildren as well as Colin and Doug my thoughts are with you all. So sorry for your loss. I am so grateful that I was able to know Judy for so long. She was a wonderful person as well as a great friend to many during her life. God bless…. Allan
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Alexandra Lovis I did not know Judy well, but my sense of her was that she shone with a beautiful light. She had such a lovely feeling about her…her smile and irrepressability, her curiosity, and her grace linger as impressions of her. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss…she is irreplaceable. I hope that the lovely memories you must have of her bolster you in times to come. Thinking of you all.
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Chandra Flewelling Judy was one of my favourite educators in Nursing. She had a profound impact on my career and nurtured my love in community nursing. She cared. She made me laugh. She helped me grow in compassion and confidence. RIP Judy.
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Kathleen Gadd I had the tremendous honour of working with Judy at Dal Med NB in 2010-2012. Judy was a riot. I learned so much from her. She was such a brave professional who really believed in the power that nurses have to change the world for the better. So many people benefitted so deeply from learning from her, and spending time with her. I am so sad to hear of her passing – she was really special and I’m sure she brought so much love and laughter with her to BC. Thank you Judy, for having been here, and for sharing your brilliance with so many learners and colleagues.
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Jennifer Pereira I met Judy in 2022 through a walking group, and we kept in touch after. I cherished our friendship and our walks around Beaver Lake. Judy was a bright, interesting, and courageous soul, but also quietly humble and graceful. She was hilarious and witty; she always made me laugh. She taught me the true meaning of friendship and what it means to be grateful for each day. To Judy’s family- I’m thinking of you all as you navigate this immeasurable loss and the difficult days ahead. You said it best in this beautiful tribute to her, that the joy she brought others is her legacy. I agree wholeheartedly; Judy brought me so much joy, and this is how I will always remember her. Rest well my sweet friend Judy. I will miss you always.
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Jennifer and Scott Darling So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
I graduated with Judy from school and Nursing. I also lived with Judy and her Mother for a year. My husband and I were friends with David and Judy and socialized with them for years. Judy was the salt of the earth,fun to be with and friendly to everyone. Her students loved her and praised her teaching skills. I can’t imagine the void she must leave in her daughters and their families’ lives. Please accept our condolences. Carol and Jim.