Judith Anne Newman

Judith Anne Newman In Memory I can’t remember who introduced us. The memory is like a faded background tapestry compared to our coming together and sharing of souls. Our first talk was at a restaurant on Newkirk Road that seemed to exist only for us. It is no longer there. I will always remember the way we clasped our hands over the table and looking into her beautiful green eyes. I was blessed from the moment I first met her. In those early days, we read many books together on the subject of love and relationships. I remember the hours we sat on the living room couch together reading to each other. Judith was always compassionate and caring to those in need, the sick, the disadvantaged and wounded. The small animal. The tragic loss of others. The person at checkout who could not pay for all their groceries. Judith taught me true kindness and what it really meant. As it happens, Judith’s expectations were always in keeping with her giving. If you opened your heart to her, you had a friend for life. If you didn’t, well, she would hurt deeply. Always generous, always the first to give. Judith has been a long time contributor to the Yellow Brick House. And, without her participation and support, a five year long donation project to collect gently used clothes for disadvantaged families would never have been possible. Judith loved being a hostess, always welcoming you into her home. She took care of you. She wants to be remembered. The storing away of memorabilia and mementoes, the saving of Christmas and birthdays cards with special messages, notes to me and her family after she was gone. Judith left many notes to herself and me, never wanting to forget something. And, loving notes to me that would spring up like a surprise. On the upper kitchen cabinet shelf there is a note that says “Too high for Jude” with a picture of a smiling sun. On the vegetable drawer in the fridge there is a note that says “Close”. I remember the trouble I got into when I didn’t close that drawer! Judith was always well organized and neat, from carefully folding my undershirts to – several years ago - reminding me what to do when she passes. I am today working on her “honey-do” list. Our home was always a colorful, cozy refuge, with lively conversation, hospitality, and a cup of tea waiting for you. She loved to talk about her work at Scotiabank, and her friends, and family. She had a true passion for beautiful old things, from her miniature porcelain collection to beautifully restored cars from yesteryear. Judith worked for The Bank of Nova Scotia for over 28 years. She was admired and liked by everyone she met and who knew her. Judith loved customer service. She was highly valued by the Bank. Upon her retirement, Judith received letters of acclamation from senior management for her service. In the late 1950’s, Judith and her twin sister, Brenda, became a singing duo known as “The Harford Twins”, performing at benefits and variety shows. Among their many performances, they appeared on the well-known CBC country variety show, “Holiday Ranch”. And, Judith loved to recite the story of thundering applause they received on another engagement when singing “Four Walls to Hear Me” at the Burwash Industrial Prison Farm. Judith loved theatre and was an accomplished actress performing under the direction of Lorraine Green Kisma, Choreographer, Director, Onstage Productions and L. Garth Allen, Director, Stage Centre Productions. Later in life she enjoyed family visits, going to the movies and a game of bingo. Judith left this world peacefully at 8:15 am, Saturday, June 12, 2021. It was a June day she would have loved. I am blessed to have shared the best years of my life with her. I would do anything to be able to have more time with her, even one more day. I will see Judith again. I know she is always watching over and loving us all. Maitland Newman