Obituary of Judith Anne Cecchetto
Obituary Tribute for Lady Judith Anne (Judy) Burns Cecchetto
November 30, 1950 – December 3, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lady Judith Anne Burns Cecchetto (Judy), beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, on December 3, 2024, at the age of 74, surrounded by the love of her family. Judy was born on November 30, 1950, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Arthur W. Burns and Marriette Trottier. Her enduring love for her family and her unwavering faith touched all who knew her.
Judy’s love for life, her kindness, and her sense of humor were evident in everything she did. She was a devoted wife to Tom Cecchetto, with whom she shared nearly 50 years of love and companionship, and a proud mother to Lisa and Benjamin. She was a Mémé to her grandchildren, Wyatt Thomas Spurvey, Emmett Jude Spurvey, and Elliott Martin Spurvey and her love for them knew no bounds. Loving Mother-in-law to Theodore Spurvey who will miss her so.
Judy is survived by her sister Paulette (husband Richard Tasse) and niece Michelle Blake; her brothers Roderick (Rod) Burns and his wife Debbie, with their children Melodie Burns and Nathan Burns; Conrad Burns and his daughters Jessica Burns and Sarah Burns; and Robert Burns and his wife Judy, with their sons Robbie Burns and Ryan Burns.
She was also deeply loved by her in-laws, including her brothers-in-law John Cecchetto (wife Suzanne) and Tony Cecchetto (deceased), and her sisters-in-law Pauline “Mimi” Cecchetto Russell and Lenora Sunstrum (husband Gary), along with their children and families.
A Life of Love and Joy
Judy was known for her deep love of family, her adventurous spirit, and her radiant personality. She had a passion for life that was reflected in everything she did. Whether it was gardening, art class, sheridan garden center, musicals, spending summers at the Cecchetto camp by the lake or enjoying trips to Nova Scotia visiting the sea, Judy cherished her time surrounded by nature and family. Every day she would be seen humming as she went, creating her own musical tune everywhere she walked.
She loved being in the wilderness and around the birds and nature. Tom & Judy spent their honeymoon at the Cecchetto fly-in remote camp where they spent their early-wed time in nature solitude, fishing on the lake completely remote off the grid. They both took their kids on numerous camping trips, hikes in the wild, skiing...anything outdoors they did!
Judith played an active part in Lisa's Brownies/Girl Guides and Ben's Beavers/Cubs as a group Leader.
She enrolled her kids in numerous sports throughout their childhood years. Swimming & Soccer for 17 years for Lisa and many years basketball for Ben. Judy would always be found on the sidelines cheering for the team and known for bringing chocolate bars for everyone to keep their energy up. Never missed any of their games or extracurriculars.
She was always up for an adventure, including her memorable trip to New Zealand with Tom, which she fondly referred to as the trip of a lifetime!
Judy also had a deep connection to her East Coast heritage. Proud of her Scottish background, she loved wearing her kilts, especially on Burns Night celebrating Robbie Burns day with Sir William Shea & Anna and visiting Lunenburg, Nova Scotia with her sister Paulette where they shared numerous giggles. Judy loved everything about the coast, from the Bluenose to enjoying fresh lobster.
Judy’s love for nature was evident in her beautiful, forested backyard, where she spent hours caring for her plants. Her green thumb and plant knowledge was passed down to both her children, who to this day have active vegetable gardens and lush perennials. She proudly displayed her “I Dig Gardening” sign at the front of her home. Her favorite plants were her orchids and would correct you with the proper name 'Phalaenopsis'. She loved her dark pink peonies and especially her beautiful hanging white & lavender Wisteria that took a decade to grow and cascade over their backyard deck pergola. Poppies were also a cherished flower to Judy as they symbolised her father & his service in the war.
Judy’s love for animals, especially dogs and horses were another cherished part of her life. She has 2 "granddogs" Bear & Nukka. Nukka was by her side during her last few days of life and provided comfort. Judy ended up keeping Lisa's cat, Kota who she bonded strongly with. Kota would sleep on Judy every night, watching TV together.
Judy was known for stopping to greet every dog she saw, whether in her neighborhood or on walks. Also, Judy loved farm visits to see The donkeys with Paulette & Michelle.
Her Community and Faith
Judy was an active member of her community, and her love for people was evident in the way she engaged with everyone she met. Whether it was chatting with neighbors, crossing guards, children, seniors or dog walkers, Judy always made time for friendly conversation. She enjoyed sitting on her porch, greeting people as they passed by. Mapledawn was more than just a street, they were a family. They all had their children, watched them grow and depart, and stayed friends and kept good company over many years.
Judith's deep Faith was an important part of her life. She instilled a love of the Lord in all who knew her. She attended mass regularly and loved singing hymns at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, where she added joy to the pews around her. Christmas mass and Easter mass were her favourites. She made sure her family was always there on time, early even to get a front row seat. Times when we couldn't attend Church, we would watch King of Kings, BenHur, Barabbus or the Ten Commandments. She loved Charleston Heston...and Sean Connery was another fav.
Judith was a beloved Godmother to her Nephew Shane Hellsten, Neice Michelle Blake, Newphew Ryan Burns and Elizabeth & Nathan Ouedraogo who she loved all so much!
Judy also shared her Faith by teaching Catechism at Our Lady of Sorrows School, where her children, Lisa and Ben, were her students. Lisa liked to play pranks on her teacher-mom by changing the clock with a meter stick to make the time go faster.
A Love for the Arts and Music
Judith had a lifelong love for the arts, particularly theater and music. She was a member of the National Ballet of Canada and Mirvish Productions for many years. Judy loved attending musicals and took Lisa to see The Nutcracker and Swan Lake every year while dining at the March after. Benjamin's favourite was The Lord of the Rings! She also enjoyed many musical outings with her sister, Paulette, when she would visit her in Toronto. Judy’s love for music extended to her home, where she took piano lessons and would seriate the household on early Saturday mornings. On occasion, Judy used to join Lisa for a karaoke night out at the pub.
Judy also had a flair for performance. She participated in the Talent Night at the Phoenix Montessori School, where she taught French. On one memorable occasion, she performed while wearing her full Highland attire and played the spoons vigorously, much to the delight of everyone in attendance.
Fun Times and Cherished Memories
Judy made everything fun. She loved gathering with family and friends for laughter, food, and wine. Whether it was sitting in the John Wayne or Paul Newman booth at The Keg, or enjoying memorable trips to Napa Valley for their 25th wedding anniversary, Judy always created lasting memories. She and Tom spent many nights with Bernadette and Kalevi, and Tony & Lynn, enjoying good company, wine, music, and plenty of laughs.
Family trips were a highlight for Judy. Whether they were road tripping around Ontario, especially in fall to look at the folliage or visiting Sudbury, Judy always made the journey fun, stopping at antique shops, listening to music, and singing along. She loved every opportunity to travel and make memories with those she loved.
Driving home to Sudbury for the Christmas holidays was always memorable. The 6 hour car ride then was filled with non-stop Christmas tunes. The family made their first stop at Noni's place for her famous soup. Then a visit to Tom's brother Tony's - always a hoot of a time. Visits to her sister Paulette & Richard's house - their Christmases on Ramsey Lake were so full of laughter and amazing food! Those years will always be cherished. Judy, Tom & kids visited her cousin Bernie & Kal's place for dinner where there was lots of wine & guitar singing. Judy loved singing along to the guitar. Hotel California! The holidays in Sudbury were spent in the -40 weather, ice fishing on the lake, snowbanks 7 feet high...but the weather, crisp cold, black starry night sky with sometimes Northern Lights made it an extra festive time.
Family trips together were always a hilarious fun time. The family trips to Cozumel, Mexico. "It's a family thing". And the trip to Berlin, Germany to support Bemjamin in his dissertation presentation. A trip that was full of history and so many funny moments!
Her Enduring Legacy
Judy’s greatest love was her family. As a mother and grandmother, she always went above and beyond to make every occasion special. She made birthdays and holidays magical, whether it was Christmas, Easter, or a family birthday. For Christmas, she decorated the house beautifully and wrapped presents with loving care, making sure the holiday was filled with joy, laughter, and a little bit of magic. Her tradition of leaving a long trail of jelly beans leading to the baskets on Easter will live on in the hearts of her children and grandchildren.
Judy was a amazing Mémé to her grandkids. She was hands on involved since they were home from the hospital. She did diaper changes, baths, babysitting and stroller walks. She was Lisa's #1 go-to person and she is so blessed to have had that time with her mom while the 3 boys were little. Of course Judy always thought Wyatt was named after Wyatt Earp. He wasn't tho. And Elliott after Elliott Ness. Also wasn't. But that's OK, she told everyone they were :) Emmett proudly has Jude as his middle name in honour of his beloved Mèmé. She loved singing the Beatles 'Hey Jude' to them.
Judy was most definitely known for mailing out her cards to all family & friends. She remembered everyone's birthday, holiday, special milestone and always put a card in the mail early so you would have it on the day of. Her family photo Christmas cards were a yearly tradition that were so important to her.
She was also an honorary mom to Lisa's childhood friends Kristina Pauksens & Catherine Rasi. She always made her home such a welcoming place, full of love, abundant food, great conversation and always that magical twinkle in her eyes. Outings with the girls and Mrs. C was always a fun and memorable occasion!
Judy loved movies and having movie nights. She loved her Westerns and watching the classic Gone with the Wind with Lisa. When GWTW got released every 10 years, Mom & Lisa went. Going to the movie theatre and film is passion that ran deep in the Burns family & has become tradition.
A birthday gift to Judith in recent years, her daughter surprised her with the gift of Proclamation by Scotland, thus granting her the official title of Lady Judith Anne Burns Cecchetto of Scotland. Which made her face light up with joy and excitement.
Acknowledgements
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the PSWs, especially Bibi, Angie & Elsie, for their unwavering dedication and love for Judy. Their compassion and attention to detail in caring for her allowed Judy to remain comfortable at home until the very end.
To her beloved sister Paulette who never left her side, making sure she was taken care of till the end. Thank you!
Their support of Tom & family during this time was truly amazing, and we are forever grateful.
We also thank all of the family and friends who have shared in our memories and supported us during this time.
Judy’s long and courageous battle with Dementia has come to an end. Though her physical presence has left this world, her spirit, love, and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her next chapter has begun, and we take solace in knowing her beautiful soul is finally at peace.
For now, the family has decided to postpone a formal service till the weather warms up a wee bit.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future, where friends and family will gather to celebrate Judy’s incredible life. Details will be shared once arrangements have been made.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the below charities Judith was actively involved in. Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto & The Alzheimers Society of Canada.
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Rest in peace Lady Judith. Your love, warmth, and light will be forever remembered by us all.
Family & friends are welcome to add their photos and memories of Judith here at her memorial legacy page. She was such a radiant, positive light that touched the hearts of so many.
Memorial donations may be made to SickKids or Alzheimer Society by using the Donations tab on her homepage.
Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
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