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.
37 Responses
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.