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VERNA RUTH JUDGE Obituary pic

VERNA RUTH JUDGE

Born: Jan 23, 1956

Date of Passing: Jul 05, 2019

Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation CancerCare Manitoba Foundation

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VERNA RUTH JUDGE
January 23, 1956 - July 5, 2019

If cancer thought it had won its battle over Verna, cancer was wrong. Although in the end it took her body, it never took her warrior spirit, her aura of unconditional kindness or the remarkable legacy of love for her family and friends that will live forever.
Verna was predeceased by her mother Noreen (Wright), and father Joe "Scotty" Judge. She is survived by her spouse of 28 years, Alan Shepard, siblings, Mary (Danny), Susan, Tom (Bonnie) and Joanne, nieces and nephews, Ginelle, Sydney, Braeden, Sean and Brett, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins across Canada and in Scotland.
She often spoke of growing up in simpler times in Winnipeg's West End, where she attended Sargent Park and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and made many lifelong friends. Her working career started with hair dressing at Eaton's in Winnipeg, while her long term interest in holistic health and healing also led to certifications in healing touch and Shiatsu massage.
Verna soon found her true calling in the hospitality industry. Her unforgettable, free-spirited laugh brightened the days of all who knew her, including her many customers in Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg. A true professional, Verna worked in a number of leading restaurants such as My Second Home, Victor's and Joanna's.
A chance encounter with the young man who had just opened "Humbug's - The Christmas Store" next door to Joanna's was the first step in Verna and Alan's joyful 28 year journey of living and working together, at Humbug's and ultimately at "StepNOut", the well-known restaurant they created and ran for 16 years.
StepNOut was Verna's proudest achievement, serving countless customers, dignitaries and celebrities. While Verna's dedication to customer service excellence and attention to detail was recognized in numerous awards including the "Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba Award for Excellence" in 2010 and the Winnipeg Free Press "Best Restaurant in Winnipeg" in 2013, by far the most important honour for Verna was the innumerable compliments and reviews from the customers she always considered her friends.
Verna loved the sanctuary she and Alan created in North End Winnipeg. There she found peace and comfort in the beauty of her home and incredible garden, where she spent her last days.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at CancerCare Manitoba, Seven Oaks Hospital, and the palliative care team. All truly went above and beyond.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m., at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Verna's memory can be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation (cancercarefdn.mb.ca), 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com

Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2019

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • I will always remember Verna's laughter. It lit up the night and brought a smile to my face so many times over the years. Its absence will leave a void in the neighborhood, and in the world. Deepest sympathies to you, Alan. You two were truly soulmates - anyone who ever saw you together could see. - Posted by: Nathan Wild (Neighbor) on: Jul 18, 2019

  • The day my mom found out she had cancer she didn’t wallow in self pity. Instead she said let’s go somewhere fancy for lunch. We chose Step n’ out. Months later right after her last treatment we decided it was only fitting to go for lunch there again to celebrate. My mom was one of the lucky ones. I’m so sorry to hear of Verna’s passing. She had an undeniable spark. ❤️ - Posted by: Sherri (Customer ) on: Jul 17, 2019

  • We miss you already. May you rest in peace. Our deepest sympathies to Alan, Sue and the family. We shall never forget you such an amazing. l beautiful lady. Go fly your wings and be free. - Posted by: Grant Shepard and Ann Annison sister-in-law (Sister-in-law) on: Jul 16, 2019

  • Her big beautiful smile will live on in all our hearts. Much love to you💙 - Posted by: Trinatie Kenney (Cousin) on: Jul 15, 2019

  • I remember step'n into Step'N Out for the first time and fell completely in love with the place, it was fresh, unique and there was no place like it in the city. This wonderful woman greeted us at the entrance and seated us, little did I know at the moment that I would return many many times and it wasn't just because of the great food menu and nice wine, it was because of Verna who I only had to introduce myself to once and she never forgot my name and I will always remember that. I took anyone and everyone to Step'N Out as an excuse to keep going back, it was my favorite place to break bread. A month or two later, I returned for the second time with my ma who was in the city visiting from Brandon to show her this great place to eat. We were seated and from across the restaurant, I hear this loud happy voice "STEVE!!!!!! SO GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" and I look over and it was Verna with her big contagious smile, she came straight over to our table and I introduced Verna to my ma and we enjoyed a nice conversation with her like we were old friends. Sometimes I would return every other day and other times a month or four would pass by but every time I returned she welcomed me as if I was a part of her family. Everyone thought I came to the restaurant way too often as the staff knew me by first name but that to me was who Verna was, a bright ray of light who made you feel at home, a quality that is very much needed in this world we live in now. I was actually very sad when Step'N Out closed but every time I passed by in my car I would think and smile of the great memories and the wonderful person who made people want to return. I will never forget the way Verna treat me and my guest which is what made Step'N Out the special place it was. Thank you for the memories Verna! Love and hugs - Posted by: Steve McGregor (Step'N Out regular) on: Jul 15, 2019

  • Alan, thinking of you during this time. The world is a little darker without Verna's light and happiness. - Posted by: Cathy Rivers (Friend) on: Jul 15, 2019

  • Alan Please accept my deepest condolences for your profound loss of your soulmate. Verna will live on in our hearts with each treasured memory. I was so lucky to have by chance met Verna in "The Village" at Scrimper's Cove on my birthday, with only a few days left to find a costume for Halloween. Judy introduced me to Verna, instantly I knew I had met a truly warm & welcoming beautiful friend! With Verna's creativity for fashion & wonderful sense of humor, the three of us had so much fun trying on clothes and laughing so much we stayed past closing! Not only had I left with a awesome cat costume, which I still have & is my favorite. I met an amazing friend XO Verna embraced each precious moment of life, she found optimism even in most difficult situations, intuitively understanding the needs of others, sharing her joyful gracious wonderful tenacious spirit, discovering what others may have missed as opportunities to make a difference, seamlessly engaged and care for others whether it be a kind word of encouragement or a comforting smile, she had this amazing gift of making each person feel truly special, as if they were the only person in the room even when she was busy. Thank you for being such a good listener during a very dark and lonely time in my life. I will forever remember your sincere kindness Verna =^.^= - Posted by: Holly Coutu Bults (Friend) on: Jul 15, 2019

  • The day God called you home God looked around his garden And He found an empty place. He then looked down upon this earth, And saw your tired face. He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering He knew you were in pain He knew that you would never Get well on earth again. He saw that the road was getting rough. And the hills are hard to climb, So He closed your weary eyelids And whispered “Peace be thine”. It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn’t go alone For part of us went with you That day that God called you home - Posted by: Gerd and Lauralee Hackert (Neighbour/Friend) on: Jul 13, 2019

  • I am so sorry for your loss, Alan! Keep close the memories she will forever live in your heart! Sending much love and light 💞💞 - Posted by: Audrey Smith (Friend ) on: Jul 13, 2019

  • Alan, we always loved our “visits” to StepNOut, because we didn’t go to your restaurant just to eat, but to spend time with you & Verna. We started at your first restaurant & remember you sharing the plans for your building on Provencher. We also remember how proud you both were of each & every rock that went on the wall, built I believe by your father. We brought all our friends to the restaurant to share in Verna’s warm welcome. It was like going to a friend’s house for lunch or supper. We still have the keychain of a high-heeled shoe Verna gave us. Verna will always be a warm memory in our heart. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Rod & Christine Ward (Friend) on: Jul 13, 2019

  • Alan, so very sorry for your loss. My memories, of course, are from our period in the Village. Verna always had a smile for all, a generous heart and a good thought about everyone. She will be missed by all who knew her. May your memories of her bring you peace and eventually joy. Marjorie - Posted by: Marjorie Dawson (Friend/acquaintance ) on: Jul 13, 2019

Neil Bardal Inc. (Winnipeg)

Neil Bardal Inc. (Winnipeg)

3030 Notre Dame Ave (Map)
Ph: 2049492200 | Visit Website

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