My wife Judy passed away on December 5th

My wife, Judy passed away on Friday December 5th. It is hard to lose someone who has been your sweetheart and best friend for 57 years. But I feel that my loving Father in Heaven has been preparing me for this time.

On April 21, Judy suffered a stroke and could no longer live at home. I have been able to ask for her suggestions to prepare meals, do cleaning, laundry, dishes, and so forth.

Every day I have tried to visit her for an hour or two. The amazing thing is that we have drawn closer during these visits than spending the whole day living in the same apartment doing our separate activities. Our marriage for time and eternity has become increasingly precious to us.

In recent weeks her health has declined, and on Monday December 1, she was transferred from continuing care to the Misericordia Hospital.

When I visited her on Wednesday December 3, she said "Let's go over my funeral program." So I took notes as she told me what hymns she wanted, and who should offer the talks and prayers. 

As I was driving home from visiting her on Friday December 5, I had a phone call from the hospital saying that Judy might not survive, and to notify the family.

I did this, and Laurel and Chris invited me to ride to the hospital with them.

Blaine was the first to visit Judy; followed by Andrew's family; then our granddaughter and her children; then James; Laurel, Chris and me; then Evelyn and her children; and Rob and his daughter.

James asked Judy if she was in pain and she said "No. I am at peace." I asked if she would like a priesthood blessing and she said "Yes" I asked who she would like to anoint and she said "James", I asked who should seal the anointing, and she said "You." In the blessing I asked Heavenly Father to help her in her transition to the spirit world, whether now or at a later time.

Her eyes flickered open occasionally but, usually she seemed to be asleep.

We visited among ourselves for a while and then left.

Before we reached home, I had a phone call from the hospital saying that Judy had passed away peacefully about 8 pm.

Each of us will die sooner or later, I am glad that in Judy's case it happened peacefully in her sleep. And in her final minutes here, she was surrounded by her family expressing their love for her. And I am grateful for the tender mercies of God that I have personally experienced over my lifetime.

Through the grace of Jesus Christ, I look forward to spending eternity with this amazing woman who has been my friend and companion through most of my life.

Her funeral will be in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spruce Grove, at 9:30 am on Friday December 19. For those unable to join in person, a Zoom link is provided below:

https://zoom.us/j/95984688475

Greetings and memories

 As I have tried to do daily visits to my wife in her nursing home in Edmonton, I have not given much attention to my blogs. I apologize.

But I recently received an email from a long-time friend, who is planning to serve in FamilySearch Support. This brought back a flood of memories. 

This is what I wrote to him. I will share it with you.

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Hi Bob,

I loved my service in FamilySearch Support.

But after 10 years total, I knew it was time to accept my release.

That was 5 years ago. 

It was a perfect mission for me.

I am grateful that an old friend, Peter Darby suggested it. Judy and I had planned to serve a full time mission together when James finished his mission. But Judy developed serious health problems.

So when Peter phoned me and asked me if I had considered serving a mission from home in FamilySearch Support, I asked him "Is that possible?"

"It sure is! I am doing it. Would you like me to give you some information?"

"Yes, I certainly would!"

Soon I was helping to introduce "The New FamilySearch" to the world. That would be about 19 years ago now,

Best wishes for a joyous Christmas for you and your family.

Bill 

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And may each of you also feel a special measure of love and peace in this season.
Christ lives and so shall we and our loved ones.
God bless you. 

Bill