December 18, 1927 – October 10, 2023
Romelda Judd, formerly of Dog Pound, Alberta, left this world quietly and at peace at the age of 95 years.
She will be forever missed and remembered with love by her children and their families; Robert Judd, Elaine (Pat) Bates, and Barb Judd; brother, Jack Robertson and sister, Gloria Bayne. Romelda was predeceased by her husband, Harold Judd; her Mom and Dad, Jim Robertson and Lyla Williamson-Robertson; brothers, Loy, Leon and Larry; and sister, Joyce Leask.
Mom was born in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, and moved to Dog Pound, Alberta at the age of two. Mom married our Dad at 19 years and moved across the road to their farm that Dad purchased from Mom’s Uncle. She lived on the farm until 91.5 years young when somewhat apprehensive, moved to Crossfield Rockyview Lodge. Within days, Mom loved her new home and enjoyed spending time with many residents who had been lifelong friends and neighbors on the farm. In early 2020, Mom nested into her new home at the Didsbury Bethany, where she was cared for by staff who loved her ‘like their Grandma.’ The day Mom moved in, she sat down in her chair, smiled and said ‘I’m home.’
Growing up, Mom helped on the farm and the caring of her younger siblings. She loved all sports, strapping newspaper to her shins as goalie in her brothers’ hockey games; excelling at baseball, a sport she was passionate about to the very end (go Blue Jays!); and was an avoid golfer and curler into her upper 80s.
Mom rode horseback to attend Dog Pound school with her siblings, then to high school in Carstairs with her best friend and cousin Anita Williamson-Wood.
Mom loved people - her family, her friends (most of whom were family), her community, new neighbours, and all the stragglers us kids brought home. She was actively involved in the lives of her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids; her brothers and sisters, and their kids, grand and great- grandkids. She was the Dog Pound girls softball coach for many years, for Elaine to Barb’s teams, along with most of her nieces. Mom was a lifetime member of the Canadian Legion; Dog Pound Bluebird Ladies Club, putting on showers, serving lunches at community events, and the famous annual Strawberry Tea supper served at the Dog Pound Community Centre. She was a member of the Water Valley Golf Course, the Cremona Curling Club and the Crossfield Eastern Star. Mom faithfully attended church at Madden United, Cremona United, and the Cremona Congregational
Church. She was social convener for the Cremona Gold and Silver club, where she and Aunt Lila organized many bus trips. Everyone loved their ‘Melda’.
Mom loved the farm life, her cows in particular, gifting many of them with special names (wink). She pulled her last calf in her early 80’s, in a pasture with binder twine from her quad. After attempting to slightly reprimand her, she strongly voiced ’if something happens to me working with my cows, just remember I went doing what I loved.’ At harvest she drove grain trucks, moved augers and delivered big meals to the fields. She loved her huge yard and garden. Her minature donkeys made her laugh and sometimes swear; she was often followed by a cat or dog.
Mom loved to laugh. She never judged, complained or gossiped, saw the best in everyone and looked for the best in each situation. She didn’t mince her words, but always spoke with a kind heart.
To the staff at Didsbury Bethany, we are grateful for your love and care of our precious Mother. Mom appreciated and thought of you as family. Thank you.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Mom at the Cremona Community Hall on Tuesday, November 14th , at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, if anyone wishes to make a memorial donation in Romelda’s name, they can do so at either Alzheimers Society of Alberta alzheimer.ca or Royal Canadian Legion (Cremona) Branch 172 legion.ca.
Messages of condolence for the family may be left at www.prairierosefunerals.ca
