Obituary of Judy Lillian FORTIER

Judith Lillian Fortier of Assiniboia, SK, passed away on Friday, August 17, 2012, at the age of 70 years. Judy was born on April 5, 1942 in Willow Bunch, SK, the daughter of Duwane "Bud” and Edith (nee Porter) Wood. After graduating from Willow Bunch School she attended Teacher’s College in Regina, SK, and taught Grade III and then Grade IV for 12 years at Coronach School. In 1963, Judy married Norman Cairns from Coronach, SK, and they had a daughter, Terena. When Judy and Norman parted ways in 1973 she moved back to Willow Bunch and taught at Willow Bunch school until 1975. In 1974, Judy married Hubert Fortier and they had a daughter, Marcia. After staying at home with Marcia until she started school, Judy enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, in 1984. In 1986 Judy was awarded her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and her Bachelor of Education. In 1987, she enrolled in the Master’s program and was awarded a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies in 1991. After completing her schooling, Judy taught High School English, Home Economics, Science and Health at Willow Bunch School. In her profession as a teacher, Judy was dedicated, professional, involved, very organized and creative. She thought outside the box, acted outside the box and encouraged her students and colleagues to do the same. Judy retired from teaching when she was 65 years old and moved to Assiniboia in 2006. Judy enjoyed her retirement in Assiniboia by spending time with her partner Pat Cronan and her pets as well as being involved in the community. She was a member of the Saskatchewan Home Economics Teachers Association, the Association of Saskatchewan Home Economics and the Retired Teachers Association. Judy was an active member of the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation, both at the provincial and local level and played an active role in the restructuring of the smaller school divisions into the larger Prairie South School Division. She also sat on the Canadian Home Economists board and played a role in planning national conventions. Judy was a member of the Assiniboia & District Arts Council and president of the Assiniboia & District Museum. She was a member of the Library Board in Willow Bunch and enjoyed being involved in book clubs. Judy was also a member of the Royal Canadian Auxiliary and Royal Canadian Legion. Judy is survived by her loving family, daughter Terena (Brad) Hrycenko, grandchildren Torie, Brandon and Madison; daughter Marcia Fortier; mother Edith Wood; sister Shirley Delorme (Gerald Seivewright); brother-in-law Guy Delorme; Pat’s children, daughter Denise Cronan grandchildren Nicole and Andrew; son Ron (Carla) Cronan, grandchildren Rachel and Sara; son Darren (Patty) Cronan; daughter-in-law Lisa Cronan, granddaughter Emma; brother-in-law André (Doris) Fortier; sister-in-law Cecile Blatchford; a large loving extended family and numerous friends. Predeceased by her husband Hubert Fortier (2003); partner Pat Cronan (2011); father Duwane "Bud” Wood (1988); brothers-in-law Albert Fortier and Dale Blatchford. Funeral Service was held on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at 1:00 p.m., from St. Paul’s United Church, Assiniboia, SK, with Reverend Marilyn Leuty officiant. The readers were Ron Cronan and Rachel Cronan. The eulogy was shared by Nicole Fister. Organist was Lori Klein. Active pallbearers were Walter Oancia, Wayne Delorme, Edgar Desanghere, Patrick Shippelt, Brad Hrycenko and Gerald Seivewright. Honor guard was formed by the Royal Canadian Legion. Interment took place at the St. Ignace Roman Catholic Cemetery, Willow Bunch, SK. Memorial tributes in memory of Judy to the Assiniboia & District Museum, Box 1211, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0 and the Humane Society, PO Box 1658, Stn Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7, were greatly appreciated.