With devastated hearts we announce that Judi Lynne Pay passed away on January 19, 2021. She died as she wanted, at home with loved ones by her side. Judi was beautiful, funny, good-natured, kind and generous. At only 58 she was taken far too soon.

Judi will be forever missed by her partner of over 20 years, Rhonda Marquis. She will also be sorely missed by sister Janis Hobson (Jim), brother Jim (David), father Jim (Eileen), nephew Devon and niece Alana. And Judi will be lovingly remembered by her Marquis family, Patricia, Dean, Chris (Allison) and nieces Olive and Nari. Judi was pre-deceased by her beloved mother, Jean Pay (nee Reddick), mother-in-law Brenda Little and father-in-law, Lyle Marquis.

Judi was born and raised in Niagara Falls but moved to Toronto in her early 20s. There are many fun and funny stories from Judi’s younger years in Niagara Falls and in Toronto. We won’t mention them here but those who knew her then may tell you that such stories often involve sports cars and parties. In those days, Judi worked in insurance by day and as a bartender, and even briefly as a dj, by night. Yet Judi was, even then, a fairly quiet and responsible person at heart. 

Judi was a loyal and trusted friend. She was quick to lend a hand to a friend in need. When dear friends, Nicci and Cathy, were themselves diagnosed with cancer, Judi was a source of constant support.

Judi was an insurance claims professional for over 30 years, and she truly enjoyed her work. Over the years, Judi worked at various companies including Kemper, RSA, ACE-INA (now CHUBB), and most recently, Markel Canada. Judi was grateful for the help provided to her by a few key mentors over the course of her career and it is not surprising that she became a well-respected leader and mentor in her own right.

One of Judi’s favourite activities was spending time with family and friends, especially over a glass of white wine.  She loved entertaining at our country home north of Cobourg and she looked forward to doing the same in Niagara-on-the-Lake in retirement. Our time spent in Niagara-on-the-Lake over the past two years was very special as it provided a comforting, if bittersweet, glimpse into the retirement that might have been.

Judi also loved to travel. Destinations included Rome, Paris, London, Capri, Vienna, Prague, Greece, Iceland and Provence. Her favourite destination was St Barts. She also loved relaxing poolside, working on home improvements, and the companionship of her dogs.

Judi faced her illness with grace and humour. Siblings Jim and Janis were a constant source of support.  Due to the pandemic Judi was not able to spend as much time with friends and family as she would have liked but she truly appreciated all the love and warm wishes sent by so many.  The pandemic also provided precious time to share a long goodbye with Rhonda and Griffin (their Scotty-poo).

We are grateful for the many kindnesses extended by Judi’s colleagues at Markel Canada, Rhonda’s colleagues at DOJ, and neighbours in Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Our thanks as well to the staff at Princess Margaret Hospital and Spectrum Health Care.

A celebration of life will be held when circumstances allow. The venue is to be determined but rest assured, there will be love, laughter and wine. In the meantime, please feel free to share your memories and photos at https://judipay.muchloved.com/

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Humane Society or the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.