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Judy (Mugga) Ada Ricketts Obituary
Passed peacefully away July 2, 2025 at Agnes Pratt Home, St. John’s, Judy Ada Day Ricketts, at the age of 80 years. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and beloved author of the bestselling “Badger Trilogy,” Judy was affectionately known to many family and friends as “Mugga.”
She will be deeply missed by her children Carol, Bridget (Douglas Ballam), and Brian (Ginette); her grandchildren Katie Ballam, Brianna Ricketts, and Andrew Ballam; her brothers Scott and Harvey (Florence); many friends and countless fans of her novels. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 39 years, Felix Ricketts (2004); her parents Maxwell Day (1999) and Lucy (née Elliott) Day (2011); her brother Bruce Day (2011); her sister-in-law Sheila Day (2016); and her son-in-law Bill Burroughs (2021).
Born in Twillingate, Newfoundland on July 15, 1944, Judy was the only daughter of Maxwell Day and Lucy (née Elliott). She grew up in Badger alongside her younger brothers Scott, Harvey, and Bruce, where her sharp mind and curious spirit stood out early. A precocious student at the Amalgamated School, she graduated with the highest marks in history in the entire province. After school, she moved to Gander to work for the Canadian National Telegraph office. While there, she met a taxi driver named Felix, who would become the love of her life. They were married on June 4, 1965 at St. Joseph’s Parish in Gander. They started their family in Marystown, where Judy took a job at the Motel Mortier and began building the extraordinary life that would follow.
In 1976, Judy and Felix became the proud owners and operators of Parkway Esso and Restaurant, a roadside landmark on the Trans-Canada Highway near Glovertown. It was there, in the home they carved out behind the business, that they raised their three children, Carol, Bridget, and Brian, quite literally living on the side of the highway for twenty three unforgettable years. After selling the business in 1989, they settled in Mount Pearl, where Judy, now affectionately known as “Mugga,” spent fifteen years as a hostess at the Hotel Newfoundland, greeting guests with warmth, wit, and her signature sparkle. When Felix passed away in 2004, Judy soon retired from the service industry and began a new chapter. Encouraged by a birthday gift certificate for a writing class from her daughter Bridget, she embraced her lifelong gift for storytelling. Just four years later, she signed a book deal with Flanker Press and published her debut novel, The Badger Riot, in 2008. The book became a national bestseller and won the NL Heritage & History Book Award in 2010. Judy went on to write two acclaimed sequels: The Badger Confession and The Badger Redemption. One of her proudest moments was when the people of Badger asked her to be the Patron for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the Town in 2013.
Judy was also a loving grandmother, often found scribbling away at a story in her notebook while parked outside the school, waiting to pick up her grandchildren. But none of this quite captures how utterly one-of-a-kind she was. As her husband Felix used to say with admiration, “You can sure put it together, old girl!” Whether she was constructing elaborate gingerbread castles for the hotel, writing plays for the local theatre, or dreaming up her next novel, Judy had a rare kind of magic. She was deeply spiritual with a gift for truly seeing people. She would read your palm and tell you about your aura, listened without judgment, and remembered the smallest details of a person’s story. Her kindness was luminous, her curiosity boundless. Through her travels, her work and her writing, she created unforgettable connections and lifelong friendships wherever she went.
Though her final years were touched by dementia, Judy’s essence never left her. She always had a smile for everyone; her gentle humour, her warmth, and the love she had for her family remained a steady presence. The family would like to thank the staff at Ruby Manor and later at Agnes Pratt Home for their loving care and dedication during Judy’s final years. Their kindness brought comfort and dignity to a woman who had spent her life giving the same to others.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 6, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Barrett’s Funeral Home 73 Commonwealth Ave., Mount Pearl. The Celebration of Life will be held the following day, Monday, July 7, at 2:00 p.m. from Barrett’s Mount Pearl Chapel
For those unable to attend the service will be live streamed please visit www.barretts.ca and follow the link provided.
Inurnment will take place at a later date in Gander at the All Saints’ Cemetery alongside her husband Felix.
Flowers greatly accepted or a donation can be made online to The Stella Burry Place Garden at the Agnes Pratt Home Foundation.
Mugga loved a good story. In her storytelling spirit, we invite you to sign the guestbook and share a memory or tale of your own.
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…”
2025
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N
death notice Judy Mugga Ada Ricketts 2025
obituaries notice Judy Mugga Ada Ricketts 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Judy Mugga Ada Ricketts 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
