On April 25th, 1945, a beautiful baby girl was brought into this world to Alfred and Marie Carriere. She was the 4th of five children, LeeAnn, Mary, Gordie, and Sharon. During her early years her mother was killed in pedestrian accident, so due to circumstances, her father had the younger children placed into foster care. Judy was placed in a wonderful christian home with loving parents, and she remained there all her life until her marriage. She became the oldest sister to Florence, Mark and Danny. In her teen years, her youngest blood sister Sharon also became a part of this family.
Judy grew up in Steinbach, Manitoba, where she attended her schooling. During her teen years she was baptised by her dad, Rev. John Hoeppner, and she became a member of the Bergthaler Mennonite Church in Steinbach. During her youth, Judy developed a real love of music. She loved to sing, and she sang in the school glee club, the Treble Teens, an all girls choir, and in the church choirs as well. She also learned to play the piano, which she became quite good at. She joined the 4H Club, became very active in youth groups in church and at school. She also really loved to play softball, and she could really smoke those balls. It was during these years that she met a handsome young man, fell madly in love with, and married him. His name was Ronald Esau, and they married on July 23, 1965. They were married for just over 50 years.
In the early 1970's, Judy and Ron moved to Abbotsford, BC and have made this their home. Judy and Ron became parents to 3 beautiful children, 2 girls, Ellen and Barbara, and 1 son, Terry. Judy was a wonderful mother, teaching her children well. She encouraged them, nurtured them, and loved them. As the children started going to school, Judy took on jobs outside of their home. She delivered papers and flyers for many years in which the whole family helped out with. Even visiting family members got roped into helping! She also had jobs picking berries, collecting eggs, and various other jobs. Judy saved her money from her odd jobs, and this allowed the family to take 3 months for a trip across Canada, and the coastal United States
Once the girls got married, Judy and Ron became Grandparents. These grandchildren were the apples of Judy and Ron's eyes. Charrisa was the first grandbaby. When Charrisa was just a tiny baby, Ellen heard a knock on her door. It was Judy and Ron and they asked Ellen, "Can Charissa come out to play?" Judy was a young Nana and was asked many times, "How old is your kid?" Matthew was the second grandbaby. Grandpa had already learned that kids loved to swing, so he put up a tire swing for them. Nana spent a lot of time pushing Matthew on the swing. Alysha was the third grandbaby. When Mommy was too frazzled to hug, and cuddle , Alysha would run to Nana for her hugs and cuddles. The grandchildren learned very quickly that if Mommy said "No", they just needed to ask Nana. She always said "Yes"! Caitlin was the 4th grandbaby. During Barb's pregnancy with Caitlin, a mass was found on the lung of this unborn child. Judy wanted to know the sex of the fetus, and asked that Barb and Ray name this child. Judy prayed constantly for the health of this baby. Nana's prayers were answered, and Caitlin was a healthy child. Braedon is the last grandbaby. This little guy was a very finicky and picky eater. Nana decided one day that she would take him to McDonalds, ordered the pancakes, and surprise! Braedon ate! He's got a very healthy appetite now! Nana had special times with each one of her grandbabies. She loved to play with them, read to them, cuddle with them, and of take them to Mcdonalds! The grandchildren always said bye to Nana in their special way, and that was "See you later alligator, In a while crocodile", which got shortened to "Later gater. While dile". Nana loved to smother her babies with kisses, whether they were wanted or not. Nana and Grandpa spent many days and hours with them, taking them on trips, to the beach, shopping, etc. Judy was always baking, sewing, crocheting or knitting something for them. Many meals and get togethers were held at Nana and Grandpa's house. Judy had a very special bond with her children and grandchildren. Judy and Ron were also blessed with a step grandson, James Dumas, whom they welcomed with open arms. Nana and James spent many hours playing Dutch Blitz.
During the last 10 years or so, Judy developed severe allergies which left her unable to spend time with any family. It was devestating to her, and to all of us that loved her. In order to visit with her family, she would have to stand on the steps and visit there. This was an extremely hard time for all of the family.
Last summer a major event was happening. Charrisa was getting married. Even though Judy was in the hospital, Charissa made sure that Nana knew exactly what was going on. Everyone was hoping and praying that Judy would be able to attend, and she did. Many tears of happiness were shed at the wedding.
At the Abbotsford Regional Hospital, on August 12, 2015, with her husband at her side, Judy passed into the arms of Jesus.
Judy is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ronald Esau, children, Ellen Esau (Randy Scott), Charrisa (Adam) Ferguson, Matthew Van Der Zwaag (Cindy Mulder), Alysha Van Der Zwaag (Jim St. Jean),stepgrandson James Dumas (Clodia,and sons Reiley, Philipe, and Julien); Barbara Ratzlaff (Ray), Caitlin, Braedon; Terry Esau. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Reuhle, Sharon (Bob) Glumac, Florence Campbell; brothers, Gordie Carriere(Joanne), Mark Hoeppner, and Danny(Cam)Hoeppner.
She is also survived by Ron's family, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, and their spouses, and many neices and nephews. Judy was predeceased by parents Alfred and Marie Carriere and John and Lena Hoeppner, and also by her sister LeeAnn.
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