Tribute

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Judith Eleanor Bulley, née Graham, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, musician, reader, baker, cook, teacher, and force of nature.

Judith was born in 1938 in Sudbury, Ontario, to Barney and Marion Graham. One of six children, she grew up alongside her siblings, Allen, Wade, Carol, Joan, and Kathleen. The family moved to North Bay, Ontario, when Judith was young.

Judith graduated from the Women’s College Hospital School of Nursing in Toronto in 1960. Nursing was one of the few professional paths open to women at the time. Those who knew her well understood that she would have loved the opportunity to become a doctor and her passion for medicine, science, and health endured long after her nursing career ended.

In 1962, she married Ross Bulley. They soon moved out west to British Columbia and together they built a life filled with learning, music, friendship, humour, good food, and deep devotion over 64 years.

Judith lived for many years with multiple sclerosis. While the illness affected much of her life, it never defined her. She met it with extraordinary strength, determination, and stubborn grace. She refused to be beaten by it and lived each day with the fierce will of someone who intended to remain independent and true to herself.

Music was one of Judith’s great joys. She loved classical music and was happiest singing or playing the piano. An excellent pianist, she shared her gift as a piano teacher to local children from her home in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, in the 1980s.

Judith also loved books, words, conversation, and ideas. She was a voracious reader with hundreds of books, a sharp mind, a dry wit, and a wonderful sense of humour. She delighted in trivia, unusual facts, and testing the word knowledge of dinner guests. Around her table, conversation was lively, laughter was frequent, and dessert was never an afterthought.

She was a fantastic cook and a truly gifted baker. Judith hosted wonderful dinner parties and was especially known for her desserts. She would make cakes, cookies, pies, squares, chocolate truffles, and other beautiful treats from scratch, often in astonishing quantities. Her annual champagne and dessert parties were much anticipated and fondly remembered.

Judith also adored her many small poodles over the years. Several were named “Maryming”, after her daughter Diana’s childhood invisible friend – Mary for short – and they were cherished companions.

In 1997, after Ross retired from the University of Manitoba, Judith and Ross moved to Chemainus, British Columbia, where Ross built their home. They loved their life on Vancouver Island and became part of the warm community of the Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club. Although Judith did not bowl often in later years, she remained a beloved part of the club community and was well known for the extraordinary homemade desserts she brought to Canada Day celebrations, tournaments, jitneys, and other special occasions.

Judith was predeceased by her parents, Barney and Marion Graham, and by her sisters Joan Bassingthwaighte, Carol Rethorst, and Kathleen Wickenhauser. She will be deeply missed by her devoted husband Ross Bulley; her daughter Diana Bulley and son-in-law Rob Dolphin; her brothers Allen and Wade; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Judith will be remembered for her intelligence, humour, music, resilience, generosity, and remarkable strength. She was determined, elegant, witty, loving, and strong.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club. Details will be shared soon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judith’s memory to Cowichan Hospice House, with deep gratitude to the wonderful staff for the kindness, compassion, and dignity they brought to her final days. 250 Cairnsmore Street • Duncan BC V9L 1G2