Judy Katherine Salmon (née Miller)

Judy Katherine Salmon (née Miller) passed away on April 1, 2026, at the age of 82, after a long and difficult journey with dementia.

Judy was born on October 23, 1943, in Toronto, Ontario, and from the very beginning, she was a presence. She was genuine, smart, vivacious, and—without question—a force of nature. If you met her for even a few minutes, you felt it. With her quick wit and teasing sense of humor, she kept people on their toes—and everyone knew you were in serious trouble when she used your full name.

Judy graduated from York University and had two daughters with John Dunlop, her university sweetheart, who became a Canadian Air Force pilot. They became parents for the first time while living on base in Lahr, Germany. Many years later, after their marriage ended, Judy became a single mother, meeting the challenge with strength and determination. She returned to the workforce in Public Relations at Humber College, modeling independence, grit, and balance while raising her daughters.

Later in life, she found deep companionship and happiness in her marriage to Patrick Salmon, a longtime neighbor and widower. Together they shared ten joyful years of travel, time at Pat’s cottage, and the blending of families that included Patrick’s four sons and their loved ones. That chapter of her life was filled with laughter, partnership, and adventure until Patrick’s sudden passing in 1994.

Judy was an avid reader, a passionate bridge player (and a force to be reckoned with at the table), and a lover of long walks with her Golden Retriever Brody who brought her comfort and companionship after Pat died. She had a legendary sweet tooth—especially when it came to Dairy Queen soft serve—and a fondness for jewelry, particularly diamonds.

To her family, Judy was the heart—fierce, nurturing, opinionated, and endlessly protective. To her friends, she was loyal and the life of the party. Her daughters proudly carry forward her playful spirit, sharp humor, and unwavering “mother bear” instincts. She adored her grandchildren, Carter, Kaitlin, and Sophie, and her love for them knew no bounds.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Helen; her younger sister, Elaine; and her husband, Patrick. She leaves behind her daughters, Samantha and Kristin, their husbands, Ian and Wayne; her grandchildren, Carter, Kaitin, and Sophie; and a wide circle of people who loved her and were part of her journey.

Dementia is a cruel disease, it changed many things, but it never erased the lasting impact Judy had on the people she loved. Her family is grateful for the compassion and care shown to her by the teams at Hollandview Trail Retirement Community and later at Willow Estates, where she spent her final year. She will be remembered not for the illness she faced, but for the vibrant life she lived and the love she shared so freely.

The family will hold a private gathering later to celebrate Judy’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s honour may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Alzheimer Canada