Parcourez la nécrologie de Judith Birchall Thursday January 4th 2024 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
Birchall, Judith
April 29, 1958 – January 4, 2024
On the morning of January 4th at 3:33 am, Judith Birchall drew her last breath and passed onto the next world. An avid traveler, it’s expected her spirit will be found somewhere on the streets of Europe, eagerly looking for an art gallery to uncover, a book tucked underneath her arm, thinking of what lavish meal she’ll spoil herself on next. She was – without a doubt – one of the greatest souls known to those who loved her.
Judith is survived by her beloved and equally enamoured husband David Tilson, her partner in love, life, law, and euchre. This August 27th would have been their thirtieth anniversary, but the story goes that they’d fallen in love several years prior. Judith and David were truly a package deal, and anyone who knew them knows that they rarely made any decisions without joint consultation and more than a few witty remarks. Their “serendipity” Riley Tilson (Gordon McNicol), followed much later in their lives, completing the tight family unit. Judith was – without a doubt – the wisest, kindest, most maternal, yet unconventional mother to ever exist, and Riley will forever be grateful for having a best friend and a mother all wrapped up in one. There are no words to describe the loss David and Riley feel for losing Judith, as she was always the one of the three who was able to conjure something poignant to say about such things.
“Judy” (only family are allowed to call her this, mind you) is survived by her much-loved brothers, John Birchall (Marty) of Newmarket, and Jim Birchall (Kelly Millar) of Mississauga, who have served as some of her greatest friends and confidants in life. It is integral to emphasize that she loved her sisters-in-law nearly as much as her brothers, and valued their friendship and guidance over the years. She is pre-deceased by her beloved brother Stephen Birchall (Lori Toal-Birchall) of Meaford, and her adored parents Helen and John Birchall of Caledon East/Meaford. She is the proud Aunt of Amy (Steve), Jeff (Emily), Colleen (Neil), Dan (David), Scott, Kate, Tyler (Kyle), Devyn, and their descendants. She is honoured to share a special connection with David’s children Janet Clare of Orangeville, Greg Tilson (Annie Clifford) of Kingston, and their descendants Charlotte Clare of Guelph, and August Clare of Toronto, and was especially proud to be “Nan Judy” to George Tilson. She is also remembered fondly by dozens of friends whom she loved deeply.
Judith was known professionally as a family lawyer, but equally regarded as a “barracuda” in (perhaps) a non-professional sense. She was known in her earlier years for causing an uproar as one of Orangeville’s first female lawyers, in her later years for being a tough act to follow (or counter), and throughout her entire career; easily the best-dressed individual anyone will ever encounter in any profession. Judith’s career as a lawyer spanned well over thirty-five years, and was entirely accumulated on Mill Street in Orangeville at the law firm Tilson and Birchall; a feat she was incredibly proud of. Judith was also an incredibly active community member, having been the past Chair of Georgian College’ Board of Governors, Dufferin-Caledon Victim Services, the Dufferin Housing Authority, past Executive Member of the Dufferin Law Association, and many other community endeavours. Her service is a testament to Judith’s life-long commitment to making the world around her a better place.
Nonetheless, Judith and David were thrilled to retire to their cottage in Burk’s Falls in 2022, and she spent many happy days reading, relaxing on the dock, watching many rom-coms and sit-coms, and enjoying a good glass of wine.
Judith passed at Hospice Huntsville after a nearly five-and-a-half-year-long fight with Ovarian Cancer. She was surrounded by love, the way she’d conducted herself for her entire life. In her honour, the family asks that any donations be made to the Ovarian Cancer Society and Westminster United Church (wucorangevilledonations@gmail.com) in her honour.
Visitation will be held at the Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre, 21 First St., Orangeville on Friday, February 9th, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held at Westminster United Church 247 Broadway Orangeville on Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at 2:30 pm.
A tree will be planted in memory of Judith in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. Our 22nd Annual Dedication Service will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com
Thursday January 4th 2024
Décès pour la Ville:Orangeville, Province: Ontario
avis deces Judith Birchall Thursday January 4th 2024
nécrologie Judith Birchall Thursday January 4th 2024
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Judith Birchall Thursday January 4th 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.