Judy Ann was born on October 7, 1952 in Chesley to parents Marguerite Ellenor (Cann) and Mervyn Charles Henry Schuknecht. She joined older sister Yvonne at the family home in Elmwood. In 1954, the girls welcomed their younger brother Ronald and then Cheryle in 1961. Judy attended Elmwood Public School before moving on to Chesley District High School.
After completing her education Judy soon began working at Hanover Kitchens. Here she worked on the line, often in the sanding department, for the next 24 years until the company closed. In the early 70’s Judy was introduced to one Richard Ahrens. The couple married in 1974 and enjoyed their time together until they headed their separate ways in 1977.
Judy loved her family dearly, often protecting and spoiling them with her huge heart. She was often described as being strong willed and even maybe a little stubborn, who often liked to keep to herself. In her spare time Judy enjoyed getting lost in an old movie, often following movie stars and the Royal family in their day-to-day lives. Some of her favourites stars included Doris Day and Rock Hudson. She also absolutely loved soap operas, especially The Young & the Restless and Coronation St., never missing an episode. She was known to collect a few Beanie Babies over the years. She also had a soft spot for potato chips (yes, plain old regular was her favourite) and anything chicken, which might have to do with her several years employed at Swiss Chalet! She also loved to write, journal, draw and even doodled.
In later years, Judy met Jim Thorne and the two hit it off immediately. They soon took up residence together in Elmwood, beside Judy’s parents. They remained together for the next several years until Jim’s health began to decline whereby Judy moved back in with her dad. In their later years, her parents were her world and her life revolved around them. Sadly, losing them was extremely difficult for Judy. She thought and talked about them often as she constantly struggled with their passing. However, in times like these she often went back to her family, often dotting and spoiling them whenever she could.
After Mervyn’s death in 2011, Judy moved into an apartment in Hanover and decided to retire early. She lived out her final years remaining close with family, especially her sister Cheryle and niece Stacey, who lived just down the street. They spent countless hours together in recent years, enjoying each others company and supporting one another in their day-to-day lives.
Sadly, Judy passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 17, 2018 in her 66th year.
Dear sister of Yvonne and her husband Jim Witzke of Chesley, Ron Schuknecht (Darlene Gallager) and Cheryle Schuknecht, all of Hanover. Judy will be sadly missed by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved parents Mervyn and Marguerite (Cann) Schuknecht.
Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
