Judy May SATURLEY (Chekaluk)

Judy May Saturley passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, at the age of 83. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Judy moved with her parents and sister, Emily, to Esquimalt, Victoria, at a young age, where she would make Vancouver Island her home.

In 1966, Judy married David, and together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage, family, laughter and life. After they married, Judy and Dave created a hobby farm in Sooke, where they raised chickens, ducks, geese, goats, dogs and cats, while raising their own family. Judy, alongside her dear friend Sally, also created Sooke’s first preschool program, helping to give young children in the community a place to learn, play and grow.

Judy was an extraordinary mother, Nana, Baba and friend to countless people throughout her life. She was a legendary host, a fabulous cook and baker, and took great joy in feeding hungry mouths. Her dinner table was often filled with both Ukrainian and English specialties, and there was always room for one more. Family, friends, neighbours and even those who found themselves alone during the holidays could count on a place at Judy’s table. She nourished people in every sense of the word.

An animal lover, Judy shared her life with countless beloved pets alongside Dave, including a litter of German Shepherd puppies. Judy was unquestionably the Alpha of her pack, fiercely protective of those she loved and always ready to lead her family through whatever life brought their way.

Judy was also an artist. She spent countless hours drawing, crafting and writing poetry, and she delighted in sharing her love of art with her daughters, grandchildren and her friends’ children. In her later years, she eagerly joined craft fairs, where she sold her artwork, crafts and baking. Creating things with her hands was one of the many ways Judy expressed her generous and creative spirit.

After retiring from her work with the Government, Judy continued to devote her energy to others, volunteering her cooking, hosting and organizational skills to countless charities and community causes. She called herself the “Energizer Bunny,” and she wasn’t wrong. Judy seemed to have an endless supply of energy, particularly when it came to helping people.

She had a wonderfully wry sense of humour and a great, unmistakable laugh. When playing cards, Judy would often act as though she didn’t know much about the game, only to go on and win. That was Judy: clever, spirited and always ready to have a little fun.

Judy is survived by her beloved husband, David; her sister, Emily; her daughters, Brandy (Robert Bain) and Allison; her grandchildren, Kiara and Jace; and her cherished family dogs, Casey, Sadie and Bear.

Judy will forever be remembered as an extraordinary mother, grandmother, wife, sister and friend. She gave generously of herself, opened her home and her heart to others, and left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She was, in her own words, “Strong Like Bull.”

And she was.