Judith Shirley Isabelle Eaglesham (nee Smith)
November 6, 1940 – Calgary, Alberta
August 6, 2023– Calgary, Alberta
It is with heavy hearts the family of Judy Eaglesham announce her passing on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at the age of 82 years.
Judy was born at the Grace Hospital in Calgary, Alberta on November 6, 1940 during the 1940s South Turner Valley Oilfields boom. The daughter of Ralph and Thelma Smith of Longview, Alberta (dubbed Little New York), her childhood during these boom years was spent living first on an oil lease known as Little Philadelphia west of Longview, followed by a move to the Sunset Oils oil lease, a little closer to town. Judy’s early schooling was in small one-room school houses located in Longview and later she attended the South Turner Valley High School in nearby Royalties. In 1956, as the boom years began to fade, Judy and her family made the big move to Calgary.
Judy married the love of her life, Donald Eaglesham, a fellow ‘oil patcher’, on June 9, 1962 in Calgary where they settled and resided for 61 years. Over the years, she and Don returned often to the Longview area for reunions with old friends and school chums, and also travelled several times to Hawaii.
Judy’s professional life was unique, varied and exciting, with no end of stories and adventures arising from her many experiences. As a travel advisor and tour group leader within the charter tour industry, her associations with Executive Travel and Jetaway Tours over the years were highlighted by escorting tour groups to various places around the world. Her more memorable tours included England, Japan, Hawaii (many times), Mexico (many times), and Montreal Expo. Later, Judy’s time spent with Park Ambulance provided new stories and new adventures.
Judy enjoyed gardening and was a great lover of cats, especially her beloved Stormy and Missy. She also had a talent and passion for sewing and knitting, the fruits of her labours often resulting in stylish outfits for family members, wonderfully delicate blankets and baby sets for newborns, and her trademark jewel-toned winter scarves and mitt sets.
Predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Thelma, and her brother, Rick Smith, Judy is survived by her loving husband, Don, sister Sandra, niece Laurel, and grandnieces and nephews, Kristin (Van), Madison (Caelen), Samuel (Dayanna), Sarah, Christine (Rob) and Michael, as well as many friends and family.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, donations may be made in her memory to the MEOW Foundation Cat Rescue, 35 Skyline Crescent NE, Calgary, AB T2K 5X2, Phone 403-230-6033, meowfoundation.com.
The family would like to thank everyone working in Emergency and Units 59 and 71 at Rockyview Hospital for their care and concern during the time Judy was there.