Remembering Judith “Judy” Padua (1941 – 2008)

WUSC alumna Judy Padua passed away July 20th, 2008, at the age of 67, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Judy was known in Edmonton for her contributions in social services and to the charitable world. At the time of her death, she was a Director of the Muttart Foundation, an organization that works to improve the early learning of young children.

Throughout the years, she was involved with WUSC in various ways – board member, local committee member and staff person. In addition, Judy was a past recipient of the WUSC Award. She also participated in the 1965 International Seminar in Chile. This trip would be a great influence in her life.

Upon her return to Chile in 1967, she went on to obtain a Masters Degree in Sociology. Enthralled by Latin America, she remained there for 15 years. Returning to Edmonton in 1981, she kept her focus on philanthropy, focusing on early childhood education and the arts. She served on many boards including the Edmonton Social Planning Council, the Mayor’s Task Force for the Arts, and the Canadian Institute for International Peace and Security, as well as terms as vice-president of the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy. She was inducted into the City of Edmonton’s Cultural Hall of Fame in 2003.

Judy will be missed by her beloved partner Carman Cumming and her children Michael and Melina. WUSC board members, staff and volunteers express our deepest condolences to her friends and family. A memorial service will be held in Edmonton on Thursday, July 24 at 2:00 p.m. at the Maclab Theatre, Lee Pavilion, Citadel Theatre.

Note: WUSC thanks the Edmonton Journal for some of the above information, found on the remembering.ca website.