Obituary of Judith Paulette Somers

Judith Paulette Somers, B.Sc, P.Dt. 62, of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family members on Sunday, February 13, 2011 after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer of the brain. Born in Bridgewater, Judy was a daughter of Audrey (Hebb) Cook, Isaacs Harbour, and the late John Emeno, She is survived by her mother; her loving husband of 40 years, William (Bill); son: Andrew (Sara Malbut), Bridgewater; daughter: Angela (Matt Arsenault), Lloydminister, AB; adored grandchildren: Madelyne, Kingston, ON; Lillian, Bridgewater; Liam, Bridgewater; Logan, Lloydminister AB; Sisters: Louise Conahan, Toronto; Barbara Langille (Darrell) Isaacs Harbour; brothers: John Garber (Jane), Hillsburgh, ON; Gary a Cook (Cheryl), Sackville, NS; Kevin Cook (Ellen). Halifax; several cherished aunts,uncles and cousins and several nieces and nephews.. Born in Bridgewater, Judy put herself through University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science, Food and Nutrition from Acadia University in 1970. She completed her Dietetic Internship in 1971 at Vancouver General Hospital, beginning a 40 year career in Nutrition and Dietetics, spent primarily in a hospital environment, including the Vancouver General Hospital, the Victoria General Hospital, the Ottawa Hospital and Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital. Judy held various positions during her career, including Clinical Dietitian, Senior Therapeutic Dietitian, Assistant Director of Dietetics, Executive Coordinator, Patient Care Services (Victoria General Hospital). In her later career, she was happiest in the role of diabetes educator (Ottawa and Lunenburg) and derived great satisfaction in helping patients learn to manage their diabetes. Always assessable, compassionate and professional, she was always ready to discuss diabetes with anyone who wanted to learn more. She had many accomplishments in her profession, having published numerous articles in professional journals and taken active roles in her professional organizations. She was variously, Director and Chair of Audit Committee, Canadian Dietetic Association; Vice President and Professional Standards Council Director, Nova Scotia Dietetics Association; President, National Association of Nephrology Dietitians; Chair, Para-Medical Council, Kidney Foundation of Canada; Chair, Ottawa Regional Dietetic Internship Council. She was a recipient of the Nova Scotia Dietetic Association Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dietetics. She was a leading proponent and initiator of quality management in a health-care environment. Following a lifetime commitment to continuous learning, just before her illness forced her from work, Judy earned Certificates of Competence for Insulin Dose Adjustment to teach and assist clients with Basic, Specialty as well as Advanced insulin dose adjustments, normally the domain of Doctors and Registered Nurses. She was an accomplished quilter, knitter and seamstress and could always be found working on some project. Her favorite pastime was just sitting watching the sun dance on the waters of Molega Lake where she felt closest to God and nature. She was an avid square dancer, having danced with the Village Squares, Orleans, ON, the LaHave River Ramblers and the Sunrise Squares of Bridgewater. She was an elder at Bridgewater United Church and had previously served in various capacities at United Churches in Ottawa and Waverly. Judy loved singing in large choirs or chorals and had sung regularly with Orleans United Church Choir and South Shore Choral. She also sang in a 2,000 voice choir with Billy Graham. Thanks to family and friends for all the support over the last couple of years. Many thanks to special friends, Jim and Sandi, also to the team at Cancer Care Center, Halifax, and to Liz and Kelly and the rest of the VON nurses, the Palliative Care team, especially Heather Cameron, and the Lunenburg County Home Support. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sweeny's Funeral Home, Bridgewater, and a celebration of Judy’s life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, February 26 at Bridgewater United Church, 87 Hillcrest Street, Bridgewater, Rev. Ivan Norton officiating, reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association or Bridgewater United Church. Daughter, Mother, Sister, Wife, Aunt and friend, she has touched our hearts and will remain there always. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.