In memory of

Judith Ireland

August 30, 1942 -  August 6, 2024

Judy Ireland (b Aug 30 1942) died peacefully on August 6th at Toronto Grace Hospital after a remarkable struggle with ovarian cancer. She is survived by her adoring children (Sarah and James) and their partners (Jeremy and Fernanda), her three beloved grandchildren (Manuela, Sam, and Violeta), her dear sister (Mary Armstrong), and a bevy of cousins, nieces and nephews, cherished chosen family, friends, and former colleagues. In her final weeks she talked about not wanting to be remembered for her personal characteristics but for what she did. She did a lot, creating new careers for herself on almost regular 10 year intervals. After graduating from Trinity College and teacher’s college, she spent a year teaching in South London (England), followed by a year volunteering for CUSO in Bangkok supporting newly established teacher education and ESL programs. Returning to Canada, living in the Republic of Rathnelly and enrolled in a Masters of Adult Education, she found the feminist movement which became the lodestar of her life and career. From the deeply personal work of the early consciousness raising circles, to frontline adult education supporting newcomer and single parent women, she then spent more than a decade as a Social Action and Advocacy Coordinator for the YWCA Toronto and later Ontario Regional coordinator for YWCA Canada. She was eventually recruited to take on the Executive Coordinator position for the National Action Committee for the Status of Women, helping it navigate some of the most contentious internal and external political challenges in its remarkable history. She re-trained and finished her professional career as an adjudicator, working at the then Social Assistance Review Board, the Landlord and Tenant Board, and the Immigration and Refugee Board. In retirement she helped coordinate the ROM’s travel program, leading trips to Peru and Haida Gwaii, and took on securing funding and an institutional home for the divorced and widowed women’s support group that had helped her navigate through and thrive after her own divorce. She survived a pandemic while undergoing chemotherapy, then in remission sold her house and moved herself into Christie Gardens. All along the way she built deep and enduring relationships fueled by her curiosity and endless acts of quiet kindness. Those of us who loved her will remember her for who she was to us: the steady and loyal friend; the wise and encouraging mentor and teacher; the careful and curious colleague; the devoted and quietly doting mother and grandmother. She will be endlessly missed by all who were blessed to know her. In lieu of flowers Judy asked that donations be made in her name to the YWCA Toronto. Judy received exceptional care and treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, and in her final months at the Palliative Care Unit of the Toronto Grace Health Centre. Her family would like to thank the many devoted doctors and nurses who worked with her and eased her journey into her final days.

Guestbook 

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Mary Bredin (friend)

Entered October 15, 2024 from Toronto

Thinking of Judy's kindness and hospitality. Always so welcoming. Missing her wonderful energy. My condolences to the all the family.

Yasmeen Siddiqui (Friend and colleague)

Entered October 15, 2024 from Toronto

Judy was one of the most gracious people I have met. She was gentle in her advice, modest about her accomlpishments and a dear friend colleague to me.

I miss Judy very much.

Virginia Van Vliet (Fellow ROMTravel member)

Entered October 29, 2024 from Toronto

Judy served as a valued guide and support for me, both when I was a Coordinator, and then Chair, for ROM's travel Committee. Always so calm and sensible in her approach, I knew following her advice would never steer me wrong. She is much missed by all her ROM colleagues and friends.

With deepest sympathy,

Virginia

Eric Morrison (Colleague at ROMTravel)

Entered October 30, 2024 from toronto

Judy was always a delight to work with. Positive and collaborative. What an all around nice person. Sorry she is gone.

Fran Money (Friend)

Entered October 30, 2024 from Toronto

I first met Judy, decades ago, at our book club (a.k.a “The Institute”). Later I appreciated working with her on the ROMTravel committee. Most recently, after I moved from “North Toronto” to the “West End”, Judy welcomed me in both of her homes, the old and then the new, as I explored an area of Toronto new to me. Judy was always thoughtful, interesting, and a delight to know.

Photos 

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