Judith Gail Crawford Cox

Judith Gail Crawford-Cox passed away peacefully March 21, 2023 at the Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville, Manitoba at the age of 83.

She was born Judith Gail Crawford to Jim and Jessie Crawford, July 30, 1939 in Killarney, Manitoba. Judy grew up on a busy farm… life was not easy with WWII looming, her father going away to war. Thankfully, he did return.

After high-school, at the young age of 18, she married James Donovan Johnston, on November 2, 1957. They resided on a farm located on Long River Road. Like so many homes of that time, there was no running water, and only an outdoor shanty for doing your personal business. This union resulted in 2 daughters, Brenda and Pam.

Judy had many skills, she was an accomplished seamstress, crafting many square-dance outfits for her and her husband. They both loved to square-dance and travelled to many dance halls in south-west Manitoba.

For a little extra cash, Judy worked as a bookkeeper for the Weed Board.

As time went on, she became actively involved in the local arts. Killarney was an attractive town for artists looking to get away from the big city for a while. The student soon became the teacher, actively taking part in the local folk fair and art show activities in Killarney and surrounding area. Judy had a very unique painting style and sold a number of her works.

After the breakdown of her marriage in the late 70’s, she moved to Winnipeg, enrolling in the Fine Arts program at the University of Winnipeg. She quickly secured a job working in the Arts and Rec department of the City of Winnipeg. Judy taught classes in painting and pottery to students young and old. Summer programs for school students also kept her very busy.

She purchased her first 2 Pomeranians, Sabo and Panya and her love for this little breed was born.

August 31, 1991, she married her second husband, Bill Cox, who also loved Pomeranians.

This marriage resulted in the merging of 3 dogs, and the addition of Bill’s young adult children, Marshall and Alison to the family.

Upon Bills retirement from CP Rail, they moved to the country south of Winnipeg, living in a few places, the longest on an acreage NE of Steinbach. At one point they had 7 Pomeranians… When you pulled up, you always knew you were at the right house!

Having a heavy-duty background in sewing from her farm days, Judy took up quilting, excelling at producing beautiful pieces… bedspreads, tablecloths, runners, and coasters.

Despite personal illnesses, (fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome) Judy always found time for family, friends and her many, many dogs.

Judy is predeceased by her parents, Jim and Jessie Crawford, and her late husband, Bill Cox.

She is survived by her sister, Jacky (Bob), daughters, Brenda, Pam (Elmer) and her husbands’ children Alison, Marshal (Angela), her grandchildren, Jegar (Stephanie), Sarah (Dewayne), Lindsay, Quinn, Reese, Jackson, Tyler, Mackenzie, and her great grandchildren, Ethan, Daniel, Ezra, Zoey and Jozy.

A private celebration of life is being planned for a later date.

The family would also like to thank the Bethesda Place Care Home and Heritage Life Personal Care Home for their loving care.