St. George's Anglican Church
38 Bridge St S, Hastings
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It is with profound sadness that the family of Judith Nancy Best (nee Foss) announces her death on March 19th, 2026, at Campbellford Memorial Hospital, less than a week before her 77th birthday. Judy was predeceased only a short time ago by her beloved husband, Ronald Best. She was the adored mother of Tara Koster (Tom), Greg White (Laura), Megan Wakeford (Arend) and Scott White (Angela). She was also the much loved step-mother to Dave Best (Nancy), Jo-Anne Graham (Jason), Jayne Martin (Edward), Lynda McIntosh (Kevin) and Mike Best (Jodie).
Judy was predeceased by her parents Milton and Nancy Foss. She was the cherished sister of Carolyn Leach and Ronald Foss and dear aunt to Andrew Leach (Christine), Colin Leach, Ryan Foss (Deb) and Jenna Petrucci. She also had many warm remembrances of past days spent with the Whites and Crombies.
Judy was the doting grandmother to Hannah and Tessa Koster, Abigail and Sophie White, Fynn, Zoe and Scarlett Wakeford, Nolan and Charley White, Olivia Allen (Christian), Meredith and Bryar Graham, Quinton, Diem and Channing Best, Rodney Martin-Gray and Riley Martin-Gray (Alyssa). She was also great-grandmother to Manon, Leon and Maeve Allen and Mila Martin-Gray.
Judy was born in Montreal, Quebec and raised in nearby Fort Chambly on the Richelieu River, spending happy days with her siblings, cousins and dear friends, many of whom remained lifelong. Judy trained as a registered nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal where she and her siblings were all born and where all four of her children would also be born. Judy then moved to Peterborough, Ontario to raise her children and later to the Best Farm in Orono, where she made many wonderful memories. She was always happiest when surrounded by her family and friends. Judy, or Jude, as she was affectionately known to many, was the epitome of human kindness. She was resilient, extremely generous, selfless and
hard working and she exuded warmth, caring and acceptance. This care for others made a lasting impact on all those who knew her and she will be held forever in our hearts.
A funeral service to remember Judy will be held on Friday, April 24th at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception, at St. George’s Anglican Church in Hastings. An interment will be held at a later date in Orono.
The family kindly invites those who wish to honour Judy’s life to consider a memorial donation to Sick Kids Hospital Foundation in lieu of flowers.
Judy was my best friend from the age of 3 years old. We both went to a children’s care Center, that was so much fun, while mothers worked. We had a special friendship with the 2 of the Jennifer’s, Maureen and Christine Prescott. We were always together and getting into trouble very often, but what fun we had. We both decided to become nurses and lived together for 4 years, while we finished our training and graduated. We had a lot of fun and a lot of work but it was well worth it. She was a fabulous friend and will never be forgotten by me or any of her friends.
So sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with you, the families, who have suffered so much loss lately.
My deepest condolences. Judy was a vibrant and stunning woman who radiated warmth and positive energy. I will always remember how welcome she made us feel when she had us over at her farm. It was such a special evening, and one I will cherish forever. She was a wonderful host, a lovely conversationalist, and someone who made others feel seen and appreciated. I will always remember her warmth. May her beautiful spirit live on.
We grew up in a small town south of Montreal called Fort Chambly, overlooking the rapids of the Richelieu River. It was rightfully named, with its old fort that became our playground, alongside the river itself and the luxury boat canal that carried travelers to and from Lake Champlain. Jude taught me so many things our mother would have firmly disapproved of—climbing the walls of the old fort, edging carefully along shale rock ledges beside the swirling current of the river, and hitching rides on the yachts gliding through the canal. The wording in the obituary are both beautiful and fitting. I add only this: I have lost not just a sister, but my best friend and my confidant. My heart will carry this loss every day. Goodbye, sis. Rest gently—you are an angel now.