Remembering Judith Anne “Judy” Doherty
December 13, 1954 to July 16, 2026
One month ago, on July 16, 2026, we said goodbye to our Mom, Judith Ann Doherty, known to most as Judy. She passed away at the age of 71. As we remember her life, we hold onto the stories, laughter and memories she left with her family and everyone who knew her.
Judy was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on December 13, 1954, to Frank and Mary Doherty, née Harms. She grew up alongside her siblings, Pat Doherty, Cameron Doherty, Tom Doherty and Laurie Demers.
Judy attended Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon but did not complete high school until later in life. Judy continued her education at Lakeland College, where she studied and attained her Business Administration Diploma.
Judy was the mother of three children: Jay LaPlante, born May 21, 1972; Tommy LaPlante, born July 18, 1973; and Victoria, born June 14, 1986.
Throughout her life, Judy called many places home. After living in Saskatoon, she spent time in Ear Falls, Kenora, and somewhere in the bush of Northern Ontario. After having Victoria, she briefly moved back to Saskatoon, but Mom didn’t care much for what she called “the big city.” She eventually moved to Alberta, where she moved around and lived in several communities, including Wainwright, Lloydminster, Bonnyville and St. Paul.
Judy worked in a variety of fields, including serving in restaurants and driving or dispatching taxi. While living in Wainwright, Alberta, she became a business owner and operated her own taxi company called Blue Bayou.
Judy was outgoing and could strike up a conversation with almost anybody. She loved telling stories, sharing jokes and making people laugh. Life was not always easy for her, but she carried with her a sense of humour and a personality that people remembered.
She enjoyed gardening and cooking, I miss the days when she made pot of borscht and baked bread. Mom also enjoyed knitting and spent many hours making handmade scrubbies and washcloths for the people in her life. These simple gifts became reminders of the care she showed in her own unique way.
Judy loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a grandmother to Joshua, Dylan, Jacob, Nolan, Cora Lynne Emily and James, and a great-grandmother to Nakaya, Letty, Rogue, Amaya and Aries. Mom overcame lung cancer but struggled with COPD for the last 10 years of life, this limited the time and activities she could share with her family, but we remained an important part of her heart and life.
Judy was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Mary Doherty, and her brothers, Cameron and Tom Doherty.
Faith became an important connection between Judy and everyone she met. We know that she is in heaven with her family and relatives.
She is remembered by her children, Jay, Tommy and Victoria; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her siblings, Pat and Laurie; and many other relatives and friends who will remember her stories, her laughter and the life she lived.
Judy’s ashes will be laid to rest at a later date alongside her parents Frank and Mary.
Although one month has passed since we said goodbye, the stories, laughter and memories Mom left behind will continue to live through our family and everyone who knew her.
“May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.”
Jude 1:2, NLT
Until we meet again, Mom. You are loved, remembered and you will never be forgotten.