Obituary of Judith Ann Klauke

KLAUKE, JUDITH ANN (nee Marchand) 1949-2017. Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at St. Joseph's Hospice, Judy Klauke died on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the age of 68, after a hard 6 year battle with Leukemia. Knowing from initial diagnosis that there was effectively no cure available, she conducted herself throughout the long ordeal with incredible courage, dignity and grace. Beloved wife and best friend for 45 years to Richard (Rick) Klauke. Loving mother of Chris Klauke, Regina, and Angela Klauke (Matt Vozza), Sarnia. Dear Oma of Kyla, Benjamin, Samantha, and Vincent. Cherished daughter of Mary Marchand, and the late Ray Marchand (1980), Wallaceburg; Dear sister of Neil (Sandra) Marchand, Dresden, Robert Marchand, Dresden, Michael Marchand, Chatham, Elaine (Rick) Dutton, Sarnia, and Sister-in-law of Sheila Klauke, Sarnia. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Judy was a farm girl born and raised near Dresden ON, and enrolled at St. Clair Regional School of Nursing in Sarnia in 1968. In 1969 she met Rick, an engineering student working in Sarnia, and a serious relationship soon developed. Both graduated in 1971 Judy as an RN, and Rick as a PEng. Judy the farm girl took a nursing job in Toronto, while Rick the city boy ended up in Fort McMurray. Go figure! The (now) long distance romance somehow survived and they married in Dresden in 1972. They resided in Fort McMurray for two years. Judy worked in the local hospital there, a real wild west experience! The two saved their nickels and dimes, and in 1974 BC (before children), did a 6 month hippie tour of Europe in a beat-up VW camper. Loch Ness to Istanbul and a lot in between. They returned with a multitude of wonderful memories and crazy experiences, and then settled in Sarnia. Judy first worked here at St. Joseph's Hospital for 10 years, during which time she and Rick were blessed with two beautiful children, Chris (1978) and Angela (1981). Judy also earned her BSc(Nursing) from the University of Windsor in 1985. She started working at Lambton Health Unit as a Public Health nurse and continued there for 26 years until retirement in 2011. Judy's passion was her family. Her pride and joy were her two children. She nurtured and guided them wisely and stood up for them through all of the trials, successes and failures of youth as they grew to be fine young adults. Following over the years, she was blessed with four wonderful grandchildren. She adored them all. Visits, dinners, sleepovers, bedtime stories and outings abounded and a deep loving bond was formed with each of them. Judy was a spiritual woman who lived her life continually caring about and giving to others. She absolutely disliked conflict and always did all she could to maintain harmony amongst those around her. She read voraciously about spirituality and the human condition, and all that that encompasses, especially the greatest mystery, death and dying. She always had a great sense of (usually) dry humour. Oh, how she loved to laugh. This combination of interest and personality led her to quip when talking about life and death, that "NOBODY gets out alive!!" Judy enjoyed a life well-lived, but it was cut far too short. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. Sincere thanks and appreciation to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Bluewater Health, Palliative Care, VHA, and St. Joseph's Hospice. Special regards to: Sherri and Dr. Crombeen, (Judy's palliative care physician for several months), St. Joseph's Hospice, and Christine Kohn, VHA. Care provided for Judy by all three of these services was universally excellent, professional, respectful and compassionate. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 11 from 4 to 7 pm at the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 1011 Oak Ave. at Lansdowne Ave. N, on Saturday, August 12 at 11 am. Cremation will follow. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.ca/canada?) (Not well-known but a favourite of Judy's) or St. Joseph's Hospice, 475 Christina St., N. Sarnia N7T 5W3. Messages of condolences and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com.