Women's Wall of Honour

Judith Moseychuck Schurman

Garima Garima — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 19:45:20 +0000

Judith Moseychuck Schurman

Garima Garima — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 19:42:07 +0000

Judith (Judy) Moseychuck Schurman was born in New Waterford, Cape Breton in January
1945. After completing high school, she made a crucial decision that changed her life; she
joined the Sisters of Charity of Halifax (as Sister Edna Michael) and headed to Mount Saint
Vincent University. The training and mentoring she received there prepared her for the
vocation she longed for: Education. All aspects of learning and teaching became her lifelong
love. Her almost ten years with the Sisters cemented some superb and long-lasting friendships
and experiences.
Soon after graduating from MSVU, Judy began her teaching career at St. Patrick’s High
School in beautiful Quebec City. She was delighted to be teaching in this predominantly
French-speaking city, as she was passionate about the language. She quickly acquired a
proficiency in French which lasted all her life. Her teaching involved multiple subjects including
English, mathematics, chemistry, and geometry.
In 1971, she left the Sisters but continued teaching at Katimavik High School, a new school in
Ste-Foy. It was there that she met her future husband – David Schurman. They married in
1973 and in 1977 they moved to Montreal. Judy was soon teaching in another school in east
end Montreal. The very next year, she began a new phase in her career by joining the Quebec
Ministry of Education and began having a strong influence on the development of curriculum
for the Quebec Anglophone school system. In 1980 they welcomed their beautiful daughter,
Miriam Ann, who is now happily living and working in Quebec City.
Eventually Judith returned to teaching at Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School (ECS) in
Westmount. There, she inspired many students in the high school as she taught English, as
well as took a lead role in the debating club and school newspaper. As you can see, Judy’s
first love was education – transmitting knowledge to future generations! Her students
remember her strong teaching methods – always leading them to do their very best.
In addition to teaching, Judy was deeply involved in other related activities focused on
education, learning and women’s issues. She volunteered her time tutoring many people at the
South Shore Literacy Council in addition to her work with the South Shore University Women’s
Club supporting higher education for young women. She played a vital role in both these
organizations as well as numerous others. She was always very interested in opera, plays and
music and was a participant and moderator in many groups at the McGill Community for
Lifelong Learning and the St. Lambert Community Learning Centre. One of Judy’s friends and
a fellow teacher summed it up best when she said, “Judy was a scholar with boundless
energy. She was humble and joyful, with an easy smile and sparkling eyes to greet everyone
and make them feel valued and appreciated. If she was in the room, there was laughter and
learning. Judy’s unflinchingly positive nature and generosity of spirit were inspiring for
everyone whose life she touched”.
And here are some comments and tributes from friends and colleagues…
Debra Banks (colleague at ECS): Here was a woman who was a consummate reader, who
was endlessly curious about the world, and was brimming with good cheer. Judith insisted on
the best in all of us. She was passionate about teaching, she was demanding, and she was
always fair. A perfect mentor.
Suzanne Cardinal (colleague at ECS): Judith knew her path and walked it confidently, step
after step without fluster, relentlessly and powerfully driven by projects born of love.
Yet, most of all, Judith was a loving person. Time has ceased for you, my dear friend, but while
you lived in it, not a minute did you waste. Be assured that the seeds of love you sowed
continue to flower in the hearts of those you touched, who in turn, will impart your passion to
multiple other humans and thus, your spirit will ripple and disperse itself throughout the world
and the years.
Kathleen Fee (colleague, friend, animator): She was a daughter, a sister, a mother, a teacher,
a colleague, a baker, a hostess, a fighter, a joiner, a carer. She was a huge human being. A
nonpareil. A woman of heart. Let’s imagine a rainbow connecting our hearts to hers wherever
she may be. A bright, shimmering arc of colour as rich and beautiful as that hearty laugh we’ll
never hear again.
Miriam Milne (friend and former Sister of Charity): I am so grateful for her joyful
presence all though the decades. And for her deeply respectful welcome of her fellow
humans. May she be celebrating infinity. Amen.
Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.
Christine Georgina Rosetti

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