Judith Komenda

Judith Mae Komenda (nee Johnson) passed away on August 9 in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 79.

Judith was born April 1946 in Selkirk, Manitoba to Dr. Eyjolfur and Mrs. Thorey Johnson. As the third of six girls, Judith grew up surrounded by her sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins who were constantly in and out of the family home on Eveline Street. Judith especially cherished time with her beloved father and Amma (Clara Henrikson). Judith was a lake girl at heart and favourite childhood memories included summer vacations in Clear Lake and Victoria Beach.  

Following high school graduation, Judith attended teacher’s college and soon took up her first teaching post in The Pas, Manitoba – the beginning of a lifelong love of education. The Pas provided Judith with another great love when she met Leonard Komenda, a fellow teacher, who she married in the summer of 1968.  

Leonard and Judith eventually settled down in Ethelbert, Manitoba where they welcomed their three daughters – Deirdre, Heather, and Jennifer. Judith took a break from teaching to focus on raising her children, gardening, camping, hunting, fishing and playing with her beloved dog Princess. 

Judith and Len moved their growing family to Kelwood, Manitoba, where they welcomed their son, James. Judith returned to part time work as a substitute teacher, and during this time also began honing her skills as a seamstress and quilter.  

In 1989 Judith moved once again with her family to Waldersee, Manitoba and returned to full time work, teaching Grade 2 at Sandy Bay School. During her tenure there, Judith returned to university to complete her Master of Education degree. It was there also that Judith received recognition as Teacher of the Year and was presented with her prized star quilt.   

In 2005 Judith retired and moved with her husband to Gimli, Manitoba, fulfilling her dream of returning to a life on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. She immersed herself in the community volunteering for the New Iceland Heritage Museum and Islendingadagurinn, walking with and visiting her neighbours, substitute teaching, quilting, and travelling frequently to spend time with her children and grandchildren in BC, Alberta and France.  Judith poured her love and creativity into her quilts, which became and remain a symbol of her love in the homes of her sisters, children, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.    

In January 2024 Judith said goodbye to Manitoba and moved to Edmonton, Alberta with her husband in order be closer to their children and grandchildren.  

Judith put her trust and faith in God early in her adult life. Her relationship with Jesus Christ shaped her worldview and was evident in the way she loved and cared for others.  She lived out her faith through unconditional love, service, hospitality and compassion.

Judith is pre-deceased by her sisters Alexandra and Jennifer and survived by her husband Leonard, her children Deirdre (Brad), Heather, Jennifer (Dave), and James (Brooke), her grandchildren Hayden, Nathaniel, Lennox, Caelum, Archer and Blake, her sisters Paula (Lindsey), Linda, and Susan Claire (Mike) and brother-in-law Orry.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing”. -2 Timothy 4:7-8

Góða ferð elskan.

The service can be viewed via the following link: https://youtu.be/oetkrymsQAs

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