(29 June 1942-20 June 2022)
Judith has gone on a new trip, as she said it was time to go.
Gentle, patient and dignified, she was the calming element in her close family.
She was a learner for life, and we have notes to prove it. She was also a passionate teacher, but more a guide and an aid to the process as she helped others.
Always dressed elegantly; initially in clothes she sewed and later for her husband. A floating fairy on the dance floor, she made friends quietly in social settings.
A working mother who made time for others, many who benefitted from her “big ear” as she listened attentively with little judgement but observant with regards to their relationships and life’s questions big and small.
She taught in Sudbury’s first cooperative nursery, aiding the parents as much as the children with creative tools and imaginative techniques. As a library manager she showed her acute judgement of good and questionable character in those she hired and trained.
She moved from the family farm of parents William Ross and Elsie Aileen Betts to the town of Barrhead, Alberta, to the cities of Edmonton and Eugene, Oregon, before exploring Germany, France, Australia and worlds beyond (and usually grateful for her lifelong tour guide and best friend), learning languages such as German, French, Spanish, Indonesian, and Portuguese before her hearing declined. In all these places she walked many miles while appreciating the varied surroundings.
Cooking and bread baking, at which she excelled, preoccupied her even before discovering she had to have gluten and dairy free foods.
Her love of plants showed in visiting more than 250 botanic gardens from Hawaii to Spain, from Fiji to England and far-flung corners of the world and in taking huge joy in her husband’s ever-changing garden. Her enthusiasm was often reflected in her painting—both in palette and form.
She remains appreciated and missed by Dieter, husband of 60 years, children Lisa and Kent, grandchildren David (Siobhan), Jason (Michelle), Salvador, Isis and many relatives and friends.
She passed away at home in her favourite chair surrounded by her art, flowers and books, able to enjoy the garden views, and cared for by her husband, children, close friends (Carenie, Raymond), nurse Betty Anne and care worker Edith, with much gentle reassurance and attention from Dr. Emily Dubé (we are grateful for the more than 20 home visits since January).
Any donations can be directed to the Education Programs of the Art Gallery of Sudbury in memory of Judith Buse (http://artsudbury.org/en/).