Judy McGowan

After a short but brave battle against cancer, Judy McGowan passed away peacefully Monday evening July 18th at the Portage District General Hospital with her husband John “Jack” by her side.

She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Violet Hruska.  Judy is survived by her husband Jack of 28 years also her brothers and sisters: Louise (Cliff), Victor (Dianne), Andy (Terry) and Shirley (Eric); nephews Trevor, Kelly (Stephanie) and Jeff (Stefania); nieces Tracy (Jason), Michelle (Kelly), Christene (Che), Shelly (Ross) and Deb (Darren).  Judy also enjoyed her grandnieces: Kylie, Kaidance, Kooper and Haley and grandnephews: Connor, Tyler, Emmitt, Aaron, Lee, Riley, Aidan, Nicolas, Parker and Hudson.

Judy was born in Winnipeg, MB on June 27, 1946.  St. Adolphe was her home until she became a teacher in Winnipeg.  Judy taught at Marion School, Howden School and finally at Frontenac School until her retirement after 35 years of teaching.  Later, in Portage Judy did some substitute teaching from time to time.

Judy was part of what she called The Birthday Club which was made up of her teaching friends and that way Judy was able to keep in contact with friends from Winnipeg.  This was very important to her.  But more so were the family gatherings and holiday celebrations.  Bringing food to be shared by family was her enjoyment.

Judy and Jack were introduced to each other through mutual friends at Delta Beach, and were married on November 12, 1994 in Winnipeg.  Judy continued teaching in Winnipeg until retirement and Jack continued to farm north of Portage.  After 10 years of back and forth on the road Judy returned to the rural life with her husband Jack on the family farm near Oakland just north of Portage.

Judy enjoyed the garden and tending the flower bed around the house.  Judy was an excellent cook and liked trying new dishes on Jack.

Judy enjoyed travelling and had done much before retirement and with Jack after retirement.  Enjoyable time was spent down south in Mexico, the Caribbean Islands and trips to Las Vegas.

Many thanks to Dr. Nelson for his care and the nursing staff who made Judy comfortable in the hospital.

Judy will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

There will be a private family graveside service at Prospect Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.