Judith Anne Rodgers Prior
April 21, 1939 to December 29, 2022
Obituary
Judith Anne Rodgers Prior (1939) died peacefully on December 29, 2022, at home with her eldest daughter, Susan, at her side.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, educator, and gifted dancer and choreographer. She was the eldest of three children of Leonard and Shirley Rodgers of Renfew, Ontario.
She is survived by her brothers Richard (Margaret) and Tim (Barbara), and her children Susan (Peter), Nancy (Len) and Jenny (Dave), and her grandchildren Jed and Chloe. Judith is predeceased by her beloved husband Murray (1936-2002).
Her early years were spent in Renfrew where she excelled at Scottish highland dance and other artistic pursuits. Judith later graduated from Queen’s University, where she met Murray. They married in April of 1962 and lived in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Judith was a much-admired and inspirational secondary school teacher and spent many years teaching English and drama and directing musical productions at Denis Morris Catholic High School. After moving to St. John’s, Newfoundland in 2006 to spend time with Susan and her family, Judith inspired others with her love of dance as co-director of the CFUW’s Women on Tap.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Tiffany Village for their excellent care and kindness.
There will be no visitation, and a service and celebration of life will take place in Ontario at a later date. To honour Judith, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice.
I was sorry to read Judy’s obituary in the Queen’s Review today. I Hope you receive this message although it is a few months later.
I am a cousin of Judy’s, daughter of Shirley’s first cousin, Dot Anderson, from Renfrew.
I live in Toronto, and would be happy to reconnect with your family.
Susan, Nancy and Jenny,
Sending hugs and warm thoughts your way during this time. Nice to think of your mom with your dad again!!!
I am very sorry to hear of Judith’s passing.
I knew her from CFUW and we often rode to meetings together.
She was a beautiful person always with a ready smile.
My condolences to Judith’s family
Judith was gem….a gift to all of us in “Women on Tap”. I will think of her often, particularly when I am dancing one of her routines. To Susan and all her family, I offer sincere condolences. Judith will be missed by all of her ‘tapping’ friends.
Sending love to you at this sad time.
I am sorry to hear of Judith’s passing. My sincere condolences to her family.
I met Judith through our “Women on Tap” group. She was an inspiration to us all as a choreographer and dancer.
May your fond memories help you through this difficult time.
So sorry to hear about Aunt Judy. Thinking about all of you. Nice to read about her life and the impact she made on so many.
Sarah xo
Hello Susan, Nancy and Jenny. So sorry to hear about Aunt Judy. Thinking about all of you. That is a beautiful picture and lovely memories of her life.
Andrea
My condolences to Judith’s family on her passing. I knew Judith through CFUW and committee work.
Had many conversations with Judith who was lively, friendly and engaging.
RIP Judy.
To Susan, Nancy Jenny, their partners, Chloe and Jedd,
It’s very difficult for me to accept Judith’s passing. We spent countless hours together choreographing tap routines for our ‘Women on Tap’ group, and also many lunches to talk about it all too!
I will miss her as a friend because we had many other interests, including stories of our grandchildren.
May she Rest In Peace forever.
To Susan, Nancy Jenny, their partners, Chloe and Jedd,
It’s very difficult for me to accept Judith’s passing. We spent countless hours together choreographing tap routines for our ‘Women on Tap’ group, and also shared many lunches to talk about it all too!
I will miss her as a friend because we shared many other interests, including stories of our grandchildren.
May she Rest In Peace forever.
To the family of Judith,
I was very sorry to read of Judith’s passing. I knew through CFUW and took part in the Tap Dance group
A few years ago. She was very talented in dance..
Sending you warmest thoughts and my sincere sympathy.
Wanda Saunders
To the family of Judith,
I was very sorry to read of Judith’s passing. I knew through CFUW and took part in the Tap Dance group
A few years ago. She was very talented in dance..
sending you warmest thoughts snd my sincere sympathy.
Wanda Saunders
Dear Susan and family,
I offer you my most sincere condolences on the death of your beloved mother. I knew Judith through CFUW St. John’s, the Murder and Mayhem Book Club and the tap dancing group. She was such a lovely person.- So smart, vibrant and caring. When visiting my godmother on the 8th floor of Tiffany Village I would often speak to Judy in the 8th floor dining room. It was sad to see her change so much. I am sure all your wonderful memories will keep her close to you.
As our CFUW Tap teacher Judith Prior was an inspiration. She was very knowledgeable about the organization from her time with CFUW St. Catharines, where she served on its Executive. She contributed greatly to the editing of the biography of CFUW National President, Laura Sabia, whom she knew personally.
To all the Prior Family
Sincere sympathy from St Catharines
Judith was a very special friend to us !