Judith V. Preeper
Born In: New Waterford, Nova Scotia
Born: October 3rd, 1947
Passed on: May 27th, 2017
Saturday, May 27, 2017 was a day of extreme grief when Judi died at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital from a lung related disease.
Judi began her life in New Waterford on October 3, 1947, joining a growing and modest mining family. With few amenities at their disposal, her father, Dan and mother, Alice imparted to her many valuable gifts that would enable her to develop a unique personality and a strong character. This was exhibited by a sense of responsibility, humility, tenacity, a willingness to learn and improve and a consummate sense of giving rather than receiving. Judi earned her grade 12 level through the GED program and successfully completed the secretarial component at the Cape Breton Business College. She was a member of the St. John Ambulance, doing early duty at the Pier Rink. She became a Red Cross First Aid instructor and taught many classes at the youth level. Her unassuming leadership and mix of abilities became most apparent with her 14 year involvement with the 587 Whitney Pier Air Cadet Squadron. Here, besides being a mother to many, she rose to the rank of Captain, placing first in her qualifying class. She earned some of the highest marks in the province according to formal assessments carried out by Maritime Command for her work in administration and supply. She committed many of her summers working with the cadet summer camp at CFB Greenwood as a Duty Officer, a First Aid Instructor and a supervisor of the Flying Scholarship program. She met her love, life partner and best friend, Ross, early in life and after marriage, spent 52 years caring, protecting, loving and dedicating her life to him. She was instrumental in providing for and keeping their family together when Ross left the steel plant in 1968 to attend an off island university to earn his teaching certificate. She was known by many for her artistic abilities and superior cooking skills, but most of all for giving her product away to family and friends. Unlike most, she was not shy to share her secrets or information she discovered that would improve a dish. Judi worked in many jobs, but most in retail, finishing her career as manager of Brass Villa at the Mayflower Mall. Judi had an uncanny gift for reading people and situations, resulting in interventions that proved positive for many. In Judi’s case, these clichés do apply.
“There are no words to express how much she will be missed by special family and friends. She was a very special and unique person. Words cannot do justice to express your life’s contribution.” Good bye! We love you, Judi.
Judi leaves behind her husband, Ross; daughter, Deborah MacLean Wilkinson; grandchildren, Micheal MacLean, Laura MacLean and Ashley MacLean; brothers, Greg (Virginia) Head, Ken (Kathleen) Head and Timothy (Susan) Head; sisters, Stella (Lloyd) Lohnes, Margaret (John) Maclellan, Kay (Martin) MacPhee and Susan (Greg) Patterson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick (Sharon) Preeper.
Predeceased by parents, Dan and Alice (Roper) Head; sister, Joan MacIsaac, and brothers, Harry and Russell Head.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. As per Judi’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Her only wish was that you simply appreciate her life.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
