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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.