BRANNEN, JUDITH KATHLEEN - October 24, 1938 - April 19, 2013 - After a brave struggle with colon cancer, Judith died peacefully at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick, at the age of 74. Blessed with lifelong good humour, Judith spent her early years in Brass Hill, Barrington, Nova Scotia, and attended Dalhousie University (1955-59). She studied law at the University of New Brunswick (1978-81), practicing for ten years with Lutz, Smith, Brannen of Hampton, New Brunswick. She is predeceased by her parents, Wallace and Winnifred Brannen; her brother, Roger Brannen; and her husband, Lawrence M. Machum. She is survived by her sister, Belinda Lefurgey; her first husband, John. W. Alward; and her three children, Lisa Alward (John Ball) of Fredericton, Peter Alward (Jennifer Crane) of Saskatoon, and Gavin Alward (Mary) of Halifax. Also by her four step-children, Greg Machum (Ann) of Fredericton, Lauren Cosman (Mike) of Rothesay, Geoff Machum (Kim) of Halifax, and Grant Machum (Jane) of Halifax. In addition, she is survived by her six beloved grandchildren, Hilary, Jack, and Peter Ball, Theo Crane-Alward, and Olivia and Emily Alward. And by her fourteen step-grandchildren, Melissa, Michael, Emily, David, and Heather Machum, Jonathan and Justin Cosman, Andrew, Matthew, and Max Machum, and Henry, Alexander, Amelia, and Mary Machum. She will be much missed by her nieces, Dawn, Melinda, and Julia, and her nephew, John, as well as by her many good friends, including her dear walking companion, Jane Wasson.
At Judith's request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A small family gathering will take place at a later time. Her remains have been cremated, and her ashes will be scattered as she wished. A strong Brannen woman to the end, she will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her keen interest in people, books, and politics, and the caring attention she gave to everything in life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chalmers Hospital Foundation, for either the Gastrointestinal (GI) Lab or the Palliative Care Unit, would be much appreciated. Condolences may be offered through McAdam's Funeral Home at www.mcadamsfh.com