Obituary of Judith Bilben

Judith Kathleen Bilben (nee Scott) April 16, 1948 - December 29, 2010 Judy's life adventure began in Red Deer, Alberta as the youngest daughter of John (Jack) and Margaret (Peggy) Scott. She grew up with her brother John, and sisters Barbara Cox (Brian, Tracy and David) and Ruth Scott, as well as many cousins and extended family. Judy married Roland (Rolly) Bilben in 1969 and started their 41 year marriage together in Balzac, Alberta with their three children Linda (Ron) Bilben, Scott (Ana) Bilben, and Kori (Trevor) Bilben. She was blessed with 5 beautiful grandchildren, Sidney and Zachary McMillan, Jai and Jaxon Moraes, and Jolie Bilben. Judy had an adventurous spirit and in the early 1980's, Judy and Rolly expanded their horizons and purchased a campground resort in beautiful Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia. Their love of travel also lead them to a second home in warm and sunny St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands where they played during the winter months. Between crazy campers and sunset sails their lives were full, enjoying the best of both worlds before finally settling their roots together in Bragg Creek, Alberta in 1993. Judy's love of people and good conversation, led her to open and run a very successful Bed and Breakfast for the next 10 years, where she would meet fascinating people and learn about far off places. Judy and Rolly traveled almost every inch of the world together over the last 30 years, back-packing, trekking and adventuring with a true appreciation of all that life had to offer and amassing life-long friends along the way. Judy's journey was cut too short when she was stolen by Alzheimer's disease. She passed away in Toronto at Sunnybrook Hospital at the age of 62 with her daughter and loving husband at her side. Even near the end, despite the disease, Judy always had a smile for those she knew and loved. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother and everybody's best friend. Her playful spirit, golden heart, and jubilant laughter will never be forgotten. Many would agree, Judy lived more in her 62 years of life, than most people would do in a hundred lifetimes. A celebration of Judy's life will be held in the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto 1-800-616-3311 on Saturday, January 8th at 2:00 p.m. We encourage all of our friends and loved ones to donate to their local Alzheimer's Society or to the Baycrest Hospital Foundation at www.baycrest.org/donations so that her end of life struggle will not be in vain. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.