JUDITH CAROL BOLES (JUDY) (THORNHILL)

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JUDITH CAROL BOLES
(nee THORNHILL)
(Judy, Mom, Nana)

Peacefully after a long battle with cancer, Mom passed away on February 15, 2023.
Mom is survived by her husband of 61 years, Harley W. Boles, son Harley C. Boles (Kirsty), daughter Kimberley Broda (Fred), son-in-law Ole Valmestad, grandchildren, Cassandra Valmestad, Megan Valmestad, Reid Valmestad (Kelly), Hallie Broda, Tyler Broda and Thomas Boles, and great-grandchildren, Oceana, Maliyah and Ava. Mom is predeceased by her parents, Frank and Molly Thornhill, sister Joan Girden and daughter Marcia Ranville.
Mom was born on December 17, 1940 in Winnipeg where she grew up in a loving home. Mom was always close with her parents and after their passing Mom would often share with her family fond memories and funny anecdotes about her childhood and parents. Mom attended La Verendrye, River Heights and Kelvin schools where she began lifelong friendships with Val, Judy and Sally amongst others. At the young age of 20, rebellious Mom married Dad. After brief stops in Calgary and Edmonton, Mom and Dad settled back in Winnipeg to raise a family of three demanding children. When that became too easy, Mom joined Dad in the family insurance brokerage business and became the original multitasker - working full time, running a household and driving her kids (and most likely their friends) to all of their respective activities.
Mom was always sporty and physically fit (at the time of her passing, her exercise bike's odometer read 21,930.8 kms). As a kid she played baseball - primarily as a pitcher, and as an adult she enjoyed downhill skiing and golfing. Competition and always trying your absolute best in sporting activities at all times mattered. Mom was her kids' and then grandkids' biggest supporter and advocate. She ALWAYS showed up and cheered loudly at all hockey games, soccer matches and track meets.
Another constant in Mom's life was her love for her dogs. Coco, Toby, T.J., Shooter and Digger were successively the family dog, however in reality they each were her puppy. She trained them all (some much better than others), and each in return, clearly loved and adored her the most.
As her children began to marry and grandkids started to arrive, Mom embraced social media in order that she could keep in touch with all of her family. The Nana News Network ran 24/7. Mom would never disclose her monthly text count, but did admit that she would likely have flunked out of school if the distraction of cell phones had been around when she was a kid. Nana needed to know what all of her people were up to. She would express her opinions and provide advice on any family member's activities or problems as the case may be, always with love.
After retirement from the insurance business, Mom enjoyed spending summers and the occasional weekend in the winter at her cottage at Sunset Beach - particularly when family members would join her and Dad at the lake. As well, she really enjoyed cheering on the Jets, either in person or at home. She of course loved the games, but also liked discussing the team and players at every opportunity. Mom would have made an excellent General Manager of the Jets.
Mom also loved hosting family dinners - where attendance was mandatory. As her family grew, so did Mom's desire for her people to get together and enjoy family time. Mom was an excellent hostess - the food was always delicious, and the evenings were truly memorable (particularly the charades at Christmas).
Mom was a medical marvel. She endured six joint replacements and two bouts of cancer together with all of the associated medical appointments, surgeries and treatments. Throughout it all, her toughness and fighting spirit were absolutely remarkable. Our family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and aides that treated Mom throughout the years.

Mom, Nana, Judy you were an
exceptional mother and grandmother
and please know that you are truly loved and missed by all of your family and friends.

In accordance with Mom's wishes no memorial service will be held.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2023