Battling cancer for many years, surrounded by love, peace and family, Judy McCluskey passed away on June 12, 2021 in Miramichi, NB.
Judy is predeceased by her husband Shawn McCluskey, parents Everett and Hilda (Brown) Marsh, brothers: William, John, Alexander (Bubs), Edgar, Percy and sister, Joan Kent. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of many of whom she loved and touched deeply; her sister; Adora (Donnie) Keoughan, son Shawn (Karen) McCluskey Jr, daughters: Sheryl Ann (Chris) McCluskey and Tara McCluskey, loving grandsons: Matthew (Taylor), Tyler (Chelsie), Mason; precious granddaughters: Megan and Olivia; and cherished great-grandchildren; Cooper, Walker and Myla.
Judy will fondly be remembered as an old soul, with a kind and compassionate heart, a streak of stubbornness and love of life. She was grateful for the simplicities in life, never caring for materialistic things or filling her pockets because her family, friends, work, and bingo filled her heart. Her happiest times were being surrounded by family, a Pepsi in hand and hanging out with her many friends at the local bingo halls.
Born July 9, 1944, Judy touched the lives of many. She married the love of her life; Shawn Thomas McCluskey, who stole her heart at 19 and remained the only man she ever loved. Judy loved her small town and her many friends in it. For many years, she was found behind the counter of Ben’s Lunch Room and kept the unruly bar crowd in line. Over the years, many of those customers became friends and made it a point to keep in touch or stop for a say when she was out and about.
In her earlier years, Judy could be found bowling at the Chatham lanes and, if she wasn’t bowling, she was cheering in the stands. She made life long friends in the women’s league and could tell a few stories of their many shenanigans that still made her laugh and smile years later. While working in her later years at the Backroom Lounge, Judy enjoyed socializing with her customers and would be known to take a few under her wing and provide motherly advice. She was just that kind of person, always lending a helping hand and trying to steer people in the right direction.
Judy wasn’t the typical mother, grandmother or great-grandmother. She rarely stayed home, loved driving while listening to her music, playing crib, auction 45 and various other card games but everyone who knew her knows that Judy’s greatest pastime was bingo. Whether she won, or not, she loved the game and socializing with the many players she met over the years.
Words cannot express the gratitude the family feels to the many people who called, visited, sent messages, gifts, food and prayed for our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. Your kindness and generosity were a great source of comfort and will always be remembered. The family also extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jill Watts who, not only provided excellent medical care but was also a friend. Judy’s wishes of remaining at home throughout her prolonged illness was made possible by the professional and caring staff of Jean Coutu (Chatham) and the exceptionally gifted extramural nurse (Marion) and compassionate support staff (Ronda, Kim, Meili, Franceska) of the home palliative care program. The dedicated staff of the Region 7 Palliative Care Unit provided comfort to Judy in her final days and their kindness will never be forgotten.
Funeral and Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday June 17, 2021 at 11:00am, at Saint Michael’s Basilica, officiated by Father John Keoughan. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Maher’s Funeral Home, Miramichi.
Judy will be missed dearly by so many! She was courageous throughout many difficult years and, as her time came to an end, she made peace with her fate and repeatedly thanked those who cared for her. Her suffering is over and its time to celebrate the life she lived and the lives she’s touched. In lieu of flowers, pay it forward; do something nice for someone and be kind ~