Bueckert, Judy
December 23, 1950 – October 1, 2017

Judy (Krahn) Bueckert passed away on Sunday, October 1st, 2017 after a nearly 3 year battle with cancer. Judy is survived by Jake, her husband of 46 years; children Colleen (Brian) Derksen of Calgary and Nathan (Michelle) Bueckert of Lethbridge; grandchildren Kolbie, Logan, and Rylie Derksen; mother Anna Krahn; three sisters, seven brothers, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father David Krahn and her sister Mary.

Judy was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan on December 23rd, 1950. Her family moved to northern Alberta when she was eight. At the age of 17 she met Jake, and they were married on May 8th, 1971. She pursued her education to become licensed as an LPN, and worked while Jake completed his degree at the University of Alberta. Colleen was born in 1974 while they were living in Calgary before Jake’s final year of university. When Jake graduated, Judy was awarded with a PHT: Putting Hubby Through! After graduation, Jake was hired with Atlantic Richfield. They lived in eastern Texas for 6 months before moving to Rocky Mountain House, Alberta with Dome Petroleum. Nathan was born there in 1976.

In 1979, they were transferred to Estevan, Saskatchewan. They started attending Estevan Alliance Church where Judy gave leadership to the children’s ministry. She was also very involved in her children’s school and volunteered with Meals on Wheels.

Judy and Jake were transferred to Brooks, Alberta in 1984. Judy eagerly took leadership of the children’s ministry at Brooks Alliance Church, a new church plant. She continued her volunteer work at her children’s school.

In 1987, they were transferred to Drayton Valley, Alberta. Again, they were involved with a church plant and Judy gave leadership to the children’s ministry at Drayton Valley Alliance Church. During those years, Judy also volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. She led the yearly fundraising drive, recruiting and organizing volunteers and managing the fundraising efforts. Under her leadership, records were set for donations received! She also got involved in politics, managing the campaign of a friend who was running for town council. In addition to all this, she volunteered at the Drayton Valley hospital and worked in the physiotherapy department.

In 1991, Jake was transferred one last time, and they moved to Calgary. Not surprisingly, Judy quickly became involved with the children’s ministries at First Alliance Church, and was on staff for a time as interim children’s pastor. This position required that she become an accredited worker with the Christian & Missionary Alliance, a challenge she met with determination and hard work! She also worked in the physiotherapy department at the Rockyview Hospital for a number of years. In recent years, she volunteered as an administrator for children’s ministries during weekend services at First Alliance, welcoming families and organizing volunteers.

After Jake retired from the oil industry, they enjoyed many trips to Phoenix in the winter. Judy loved escaping the cold weather! She always had many stories of shopping trips and card game shenanigans with friends there. Jake and Judy also served as hosts at Kerith Creek, a retreat center for pastors near Priddis.

In 2008, Judy became a grandmother. She put a lot of time and energy into making memories with her grandchildren. The love she poured into their lives will always be treasured.
From 2008 to 2009, Jake and Judy managed a guesthouse in El Paso, Texas for the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. There she was able to utilize her considerable gifts of hospitality and administration.

Judy embraced life. She had a keen sense of adventure, and loved to travel and try new things. She was an excellent homemaker, putting down roots and setting up her home wherever the oil companies would move her family. She had the gift of hospitality and many will remember her for the warm welcome and delicious food they received in her home. Judy loved to laugh, and relished opportunities to tease those she loved!

Judy was a woman of deep and profound faith. Because of her trust in God and her belief that she was deeply loved by Him, she was able to face whatever life threw at her with grace and courage. Nowhere was this more evident than in her attitude towards her cancer diagnosis. She faced an uncertain future with bravery and determination.

In May 2015, Judy was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Surgery was performed in June of that year, and chemotherapy and radiation began soon after that. By Christmas of 2015, Judy was having difficulty walking. As her physical condition worsened, she continued to be cared for at home. We are grateful for the excellent care Jake provided for her there, and that she was able to stay at home for all but her final days. On Wednesday, September 27, 2017, the decision was made to move her to the Chinook Hospice.

As a family, we are relieved that Judy has been freed from her body and is no longer suffering. We also miss her terribly and grieve her passing. We look forward to a joyous reunion in heaven!

Graveside Service will be held at Okotoks Cemetery on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 11:00 am. Judy’s life will be celebrated at a Memorial Service at First Alliance Church (12345 40 St SE) on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, tributes in Judy’s name may be made to the Children’s Ministries at First Alliance Church (www.faccalgary.com).

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Judy, please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.