Obituary of Judith Ann Bliss

It is with great sadness that the family of Judith Ann Bliss, nee Harrison, aged 80, of Bedford, Nova Scotia announces her passing on November 2nd 2020 at home surrounded by her beloved family after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Born in Montreal on November 17, 1939, Judy was raised in the Maritimes as well as Portland, Maine, where her parents instilled in her, her love for the outdoors, travel and adventure. She attended Netherwood and Dana Hall before going on to earn her B.A. in geography from McGill University in 1959. From here she moved to London, where she worked as a cartographer for the Royal Geographical Society, allowing her to meet such greats as Sir Edmund Hillary. She returned to Montreal to work at McGill in early 1960’s, where she met and married Neil Bliss in 1965. Always up for an adventure and challenge, she moved out to Zimbabwe with Neil, where not only did she start to raise her young family in a tiny caravan, but where she learnt how to deal with snakes, the rainy season and where not to put the outhouse! They returned to Canada and Montreal in 1969 where she continued to raise the family. Subsequently to Ottawa, where she was able to combine her love of people, animals and community by getting out with her fellow dog walkers and chatting about everything under the sun. Judy was remarkable for her humour, goodwill, positivity and infectious laughter that touched everyone. It was her dedication and love for her family that extended the life of her first daughter whom developed a terminal illness at a young age, and created the tight-knit, loving and supportive bond that permeates among her children and grandchildren today. The love that you, as a mother, has for us children is a secret between you and us that no one will ever decipher. Judy is survived by her loving husband, Neil of 54 years; her children, Bryan, Colin, Ian (Christine), Kathryn (Scott); her grandchildren, William (Kyrstin), Tyler, Samantha, Crystal (Michel); and her great-grandchildren, Hunter, and Jack. She was predeceased by her parents, Leslie and Gwyneth Harrison; and her eldest daughter, Jenny. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date when the pandemic retstrictions allow for such events. Memorial donations may be made to QE2 Foundation Cancer Care, or Palliative Care. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr Snow, Dr French, and the whole Palliative care team, especially Megan S who saw us through the last days