Judith Clarke

We are saddened to share the passing of Judith Sheryl (Judy) Clarke, nee Butler, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, and take comfort in knowing she is now at peace. She was predeceased by her husband, Nick Clarke; her parents, Myrtle and George Butler; her siblings, Beth, Bob, Effie, Peg, and Laddie; and her parents-in-law, Helen and Jim Clarke. Judy was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, grew up in Fernie and attended school in Vancouver before moving to Calgary. Nick followed her there in 1961, and they married in 1965. Calgary became their home for the rest of their lives, where they raised their family and created the warm, welcoming home on Windermere Road that so many will remember. Judy is lovingly remembered by her children, Lisa (Tony) Nyman and James (Dana) Clarke; and grandchildren, Clarke and Gage Nyman and Logan and Ryder Clarke. She was so proud that her children grew into independent, successful and decent adults, and she was grateful for the love and care they gave her over the years, especially following Nick’s sudden passing in 2024. She took great joy in her grandchildren and loved seeing their personalities and interests take shape as they grew. Judy was a nurse who worked in long-term care for many years, ensuring residents were looked after with patience and compassion. She was caring and supportive at work and at home, while also trusting their children and giving them room to find their own way. She demonstrated strength and resilience, leading by example and teaching the value of hard work not through grand speeches, but through the practical way she lived every day. Judy had a way with words, but she was not one to curse. If we tested her patience, she would remind us to “mind your Ps and Qs” or tell us not to “be such an apple.” Those familiar sayings will always be part of how we remember her. The youngest of six children, Judy was often the centre of her family, keeping relatives near and far connected and up to date on family news. She loved puttering around, cooking for her family at the holidays, visiting over tea with neighbourhood friends, reading the newspaper each morning, tending her flowers in the summer, and working on cross-stitch and crossword puzzles in the winter. Nick and Judy’s home was the gathering place for family dinners and get-togethers with friends and neighbours, offering the kind of welcome that made everyone feel they belonged. They loved camping and especially enjoyed having their children and grandchildren join them. After Nick retired, they also enjoyed extended road trips, snowbirding in Arizona and California. After being diagnosed with MS in the late 1990s, Judy faced a number of significant health challenges, but she met them with her usual practicality, rarely complained, and found a way to bounce back time after time. Transitioning to long-term care after a lengthy hospital stay in 2024 was difficult for her. With her own experience working in long-term care, and despite knowing it was the right place for her, she could not help but notice how much things had changed over the years. It was never where she wanted to be, yet she faced each day with determination. She appreciated visits from family and friends, but they could never take the place of Nick’s daily visits, and she missed him dearly after his passing. Judy leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and perseverance. We are grateful she is no longer in pain and will always carry her love and memory with us. Lisa and Jamie would like to express their sincere gratitude to Donna Grove for the time, care, and kindness she gave Judy over the past few years through her frequent visits, thoughtful treats, and attention to Judy’s needs, and to Betty and John Christensen for their longstanding friendship. 

Donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society www.Mscanada.ca are gratefully accepted in lieu of flowers.

An evening of remembrance in honour of Judy and Nick will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026; details will be shared with family and friends.