It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden passing of our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and dear friend Judy Gordon on December 1, 2020 in Lacombe, Alberta.
Judith Dawn Gordon (Hellofs) was born on February 19, 1948 in Moose Jaw, SK to Dorothy (Mounteer) and Cecil Hellofs. Judy was raised in Calgary, attending Elboya Elementary, Henry Wise Wood Senior High School, and completed her education at Camrose Lutheran College.
Judy was a smart, articulate, meticulous, yet very humble woman who selflessly served her family and community.
In 1968, with her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis, Judy moved to Lacombe to help her family, looking after younger sister Wendy, and brother John.
It was here she meet the love of her life, Donald Allan Gordon.
Judy and Al were married November 1, 1969. Two years later they welcomed their son Greg.
Judy was a loving and devoted mother and wife.
Judy learned to juggle family life and her career, first working for the accounting firm of Olthius, Albach & Company, and then Wagners Tomboy until 1986. In the same year, Judy was elected to the Lacombe town council. This was the start of an amazing political career that spanned over two decades.
She served her community as Mayor of Lacombe from1989 to 1993. At the encouragement from the retiring MLA, Judy ran as the Conservative representative for the Lacombe-Stettler riding, winning the 1993 Provincial election with 58% of the vote. Judy was re-elected again in 1997 and 2001. During her tenure as an MLA Judy chaired and served on numerous committees. She was recognized for her vision, determination, and her passion for her community. Judy retired from Provincial politics in 2004.
Returning to municipal politics, Judy continued to serve her community for two subsequent terms as Mayor of Lacombe (2004, 2007). Judy proudly led the town to become Alberta's 17th city.
In 1998, Judy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Instead of sitting back, she fought back by serving as a board member for the MS Society of Alberta.
Judy was extremely proud to be part of "The Way Forward" team, getting a commitment from the Government to provide Albertans affected by MS with streamlined access to a comprehensive system of care, services, and support. "The Way Forward" was the first initiative of its kind in Canada.
Judy and Al shared many passions in life: people, travel, cards, and books. Judy cherished her bridge afternoons with her good friends, her "sunny" holidays with family and friends, as well as 16 years of summer RV living at the River Creek RV Park, Content Bridge.
She will sorely be missed and forever remembered for her vision and contributions to her family and community alike.
Predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Al, Judy leaves behind a loving network of family and friends, including her son Greg, daughter-in-law Lindsay and grandchildren Hugh and Claire, sister Wendy Speirs (Craig), brother John Hellofs (Lori), sister-in-law Jean Binning, brother-in law Murray Gordon (Carol), sister-in-law Audrey MacKay (Bert), sister-in-law Pat Petrie (George), Aunt Marjorie Cowie plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
In light of COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, when family and friends can gather together.
Donations can be made in memory of Judy Gordon to the charity of your choice. www.reddeerfuneralhome.com
Red Deer Funeral Home