JUDITH HARMAN
JUDITH HARMAN, professionally known as Judi Jansen, December 18, 1942.
On Friday, June 7, 2019, Judi passed away peacefully in her sleep, while listening to one of her favourite tunes – Old Time Rock’ n’ Roll.
In her 76th year, our ‘Rock Doll’ also known as ‘Judi Loves Elvis’, will be missed by so many dear friends and musicians – close by and afar – that she met during her career as a professional singer and while living her life to the fullest.
Judi will always be remembered as an elegant, beautiful class act, who gave so much love and laughter to others. Her genuine devotion to her career and friends made her a star to everyone who knew her.
Thank you to all her friends who spent time with Judi over the last few months – your thoughts and prayers meant the world to Judi.
Her friends would like to thank all the wonderful doctors and staff at Mount Sinai Hospital and Bridgepoint Healthcare who cared for Judi with great kindness.
A celebration of Judi’s life is planned for Saturday July 13, 2019. Additional details will be communicated in the days ahead.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Hospice Toronto online at https://hospicetoronto.ca/donate/
or by mail to 55 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 502, Toronto, Ontario, M4P 1G8, Attention: Fund Development.
Mark Clancy
To my beloved Judi – you are dearly missed by so many. I will forever cherish your thoughtfulness, kindness and amazing stories. You are one of a kind and that is why you are so special to me. You are forever in my heart. Love, Mark
Diana Grant Schwalb
Mark, I know you were a very special friend of Judi’s and she held you in highest regard…
Mark Clancy
Thank you Diana – she was a real gem and I miss her very much.
Manuel
Difficult to say in few words what she meant to us. She will be always in our hearts. Love & hugs back to you and Bill. ????
Bill
Thank you Manuel.
Jan Caldwell
I love you, my dearest friend and miss you so very much. I am only glad that you are finally out of pain.
Andri Pramono
A true legend with a truly beautiful spirit. I’m honoured to have known you. You’ll be missed. Love, Andri.
Bill Norval
Judi, you have touched so many lives and will forever be in my heart. You are resting in peace now and are up in the heavens making beautiful music and having tea with mom.
Diana (the Peanut)
I was honoured to have the gift of your friendship for over 50 years…through good times and bad…and will be missing you for whatever years remain to me until we can be reunited in the great beyond. You certainly were a class act, and I’ll miss you and the wonderful cards and personal notes you always sent for birthdays, holidays, and by way of encouragement when needed. You were a great artist and a great friend! Life well lived!! Rock on, Juders… xxoo
Don Halward
Hi Diana. I was friends with Wayne Harman in high school, and have been trying to find when he died and where he is buried for some time now, without success. Do you happen to know anything about his passing? I’m at halward@telus.net and my phone is 604-562-2103.
Thanks,
Don Halward
Eric Grant (Duck)
It’s challenging to type in a box your feelings on the passing of someone you’ve known for over 50 years. I certainly want to speak of her influence on things musical, and the insight she provided on understanding people and situations to me at age 17. Judi’s upbeat, pragmatic outlook on life was always enjoyable, not to mention her uncanny recall of situations that occurred decades ago! I will certainly cherish the last time my wife and I spent with the “rock doll” , a fun outing to a Jazz matinee at the Pilot Tavern in Toronto. Right in her element, enjoying the music, and making insightful comments on the playing, is how I will remember her. There will always be that image of bright red hair, lots of jewelry, and witty wisecracks to remember… Rock on Judi!
Don Halward
Eric, do you happen to know when Wayne died, and where he is buried? I believe his marriage to Judi was quite short-lived, but I was friends with him in high school, and have been trying to get information about his passing. I’m at halward@telus.net or 604-562-2103.
Don Halward
Gail
Rock on, Jude…we’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when…until then, strut your stuff. All love.
Don Norval
Judy you were well loved and a joy to behold. I want to thank you in particular for what you have done for Bill. The both of you make a great pair and you were like second mother to him. It has been extremely hard on him your passing. I am very glad that you are out of pain and have now risen to the heavens with your other band members and you can be back singing again. God Bless You
Don Norval
God Bless you Judy. While you have entered another world that is pain free and you are with your former band members which I am sure they and you will be happy. It has been great knowing you even though we did not get together a lot but I have heard all the good things from Bill and you and he are and still are a special kind of person. We all will miss you very much.
Eileen Rutherford
From the first time I laid eyes on Judi when our friend George Richardson said to me “come on down Mate I have someone I want you to meet” to the last week sitting by her bedside holding her hand, it’s been an incredible 40 year journey. Full of music, laughter and love. Rock on Judi, you were one classy lady. You will always be in my heart.
Patti
You will always have a place in my heart my dear friend. Miss you.
Nancy Eakins
Dear Judi, your joyful and vibrant spirit will be profoundly missed. You always lit up the room. Rest in peace my friend. Love, Nancy
Natalie Maiolo
I only had the benefit of knowing Judi for a few short years; I’m so grateful for her friendship. I will miss her so very much but I’m sure she’s partying with Elvis and all the great rock ‘n roll legends right now.
Romani
A new star shines in the sky, just as brightly as she shone here… forever loved and respected by so many, and rightfully so…. so often when a loved one passes to the other side, people often use the ‘love’ word in past tense… but that is wrong… love never dies when they pass, it remains in your heart and memories…. Judi has passed on to the other side, and such a huge score for those waiting for her there…. peace to you Judi.. forever…
Laurel Pelletier
Judi, my beautiful friend – you made the world a better place through your kindness, laughter, music and love of animals. Thank you for embracing me into your life and loving me and my pets. I will forever cherish the times we spent together, your laughter and riveting stories. I will never forget you; how could I, when you gave me so much to remember. My mind knows you are in a better place where you can breathe deeply without pain. I wish I could explain that to my heart. I love you and miss you so, so much. I imagine you are know in your rightful place; perched on Elvis’ knee. She’s a baaad giirruull!
Mark Clancy
Beautiful Laurel. And so true. ❤️
Diana Schwalb
Loved your message, Laurel. You were such a special friend to Judi.
Angela Steinmann
Judi, thank you for including me in your circle of friends — what an honour! Your creative and loving spirit will be with me always. May you be at peace.
Patti Walke
Judi, my friend, your smile and laughter touched so many. The world won’t be the same without you. You will forever have a place in my heart. I appreciated our friendship and am forever grateful to have known you. Have fond memories over the years with lots of laughter. You will be deeply missed. It is time for you to rest in peace, pain free. Enjoy singing beautiful music from the heavens. Rock on, Judi! You’re one of a kind. Love, Patti
Patti Walke
Judi, my friend, your smile and laughter touched so many. The world won’t be the same without you. I appreciated our friendship and am forever grateful to have known you. You are one of a kind. You will forever have a place in my heart. I have fond memories with lots of laughter. May you enjoy making beautiful music from the heavens. May you rest in peace, pain free. Rock on, Judi! Love and hugs, Patti Walke
Diane Hack
We were sisters from the time we were 16, meeting at the CKEY dance on Merton st. while Peter D. was playing, with all the ups and downs that sisters have and I would rather have those than nothing at all. love you Diane
Lesley-Ann Fox
I always tell my grandchildren to be kind and leave sparkle wherever you go. Judi, this is what you always did. You shined & left sparkle wherever you went, and with whomever you met. You will be greatly missed by so many. Much love from the Fox, Cairns & Pandolfini families.
Diana Schwalb
Beautifully said, Lesley-Ann… xo
Carmela and Rocco Volpe and family
Carmela and Rocco Volpe
June 18 2019
Judi has been our friend for about 20 years. We had wonderful times with you, Listening to your lifetime stories. Your music and your smile made you a star in many peoples hearts. I can’t believe you are gone but never forgotten. My only regret is that I was not with you when it mattered so much to be of moral and spiritual support. I am sorry I did not find out how sick you were until it was almost to late. Our only consolation is that you are pain free and in a place where friends must have great joy to have you join them.
Rock on my friend. We will meet again
Lorna Canning
Judi, I have been blessed to have had you as a dear friend for the past 40 years. You were there through the good times and the hard times too. For that I will always be eternally grateful. You were a special part of our entire family and will be greatly missed by all of us. You will remain in our hearts forever. Love you Judi! Lorna and family
Lisa Hartt-Spillane
I am so saddened to hear of the death of my dear friend and colleague Judi. What a bright light who is now a star in the heavens. Our paths crossed first in the 70’s when I moved to Toronto. I hung and played with her besties Dave Graziato and Barry McMullen. We had a group called Touchstone and she was there at the Firehall every night singing Rocket Man with me. Later we backed Cliff Edwards from the Bells at The Old Board restaurant in Vermont for a hilarious and antic filled summer. Epic adventures never to be forgotten. She was bigger than life. Our own Bette Midler. The last time we saw each other I was playing the Rex with Artie and Ed Vokurka the jazz violinist. My big sister. Rest in peace.I will always remember her smile and her kindness and her big beautiful voice. We had our lives as child performers in common. No one who has not experienced this life can understand. It was a great bond. Rest in peace Judi.
Russ Strathdee
Dear Judi
Thank you for being YOU – a lady in the true sense of the word, full of grace, warmth and kindness, with a smile that will never be forgotten. Ever since our time together in “Dunc and Judi and the Regents” the memory of your elegance prevails and your singing “always something there to remind me” still echoes.
Linsey Canning
Auntie Judi,
I was one lucky girl, having you in my life from the day I was born. My Godmother. So many of my most cherished childhood memories not only include you, but were because of you. I remember how excited we used to get when you’d come up on a Friday night after work and spend the weekend with us. As a little girl, I felt star struck and honoured that you’d stay in my room – I’d sneak in and look in awe at your jewelry laid out on my dresser, and loved how my blankets would smell of your perfume.
You taught me so many important life lessons over the years, ones that only someone who led such an uniquely eclectic life could. Your stories were second to none. You were the epitome of true class, Jude – you treated me with the same respect at the age of six that you did when I was 30, that is truly rare and speaks so much to your character.
Thank you for holding my hand all of those days in hospital, keeping me company, keeping me hopeful, bringing me butter tarts.
You are loved, you are cherished, and you are so greatly missed. I will always look up to you. Always be grateful for you. I trust I am a better person for you playing a part in raising me.
All my love… Linsey
Diana Schwalb
So beautiful, Linsey… xxoo
Bill
Very touching Linsey!
Jerry Lucky
Sorry to have lost touch over the years, but memories of Judi remain. You were such a wonderful person, always positive and encouraging. God Bless.
Deborah
Judy, You are a shining star in heaven and on earth. Sing and laugh with the angels. We miss you.
George Carr
My dear friend Judi, when I heard of your passing my heart skipped a Beat. There are so MANY WORDS to say with many feelings of happiness and sadness. I am sad you are no longer with us, but in spirit you will always remain. I met you in 1989 at Paddy’s Sunday night Jams where I heard you sing for the first time. I thought to myself Wow! who is is this great Singer. Eventually we ended up talking that night and exchanged phone numbers and for 24 years you have been the most caring friend I’ve ever had. I could write a book about you from all the stories you have shared throughout the years. You have always believed in me as an Artist and most importantly a person. I Wish The world could have heard you sing, I wish that one day your true story is told. I will always cherish the moments I’ve spent with you. I’m gonna miss you BIG-TIME!
I also what to mention the “Circle of Friends” that you introduced me to throughout the years and how amazing and caring people that they are, like Diane, Eileen, Diana, Tao, Peter, Bill and plenty more that I’ve never had the privilege to meet. You were a classy women with an array of friends that I can say were nothing short than being your Family 🙂
I could go on forever talking about what you mean to me and how my life had changed in the privilege of knowing you. You are one of a kind.
Until We Meet Again My Friend 🙂
Ciao, Mia Bella Judi.
Bill
Wonderful George!
Doug Van Duzen
I cannot compose how I feel right now but my heart is heavy knowing I didn’t contact you earlier after you gave Dave your number for me to call. It’s been about 45 years and you left a lasting impression on me since we backed up Cliff Edwards in Vermont. You are the most wonderful caring person I ever met and wanted to visit you when in your area and catch up on all those years past. There was always a spot in my heart where you stayed.
Till we meet again my far friend.
Doug
George Carr
Dear Judy, It’s been a year and three months since you’ve passed and we are all still thinking about you and missing you dearly in 2020.
Love Always and Forever…
George 🙁
John De Pinto
Just found out now when trying to search you, I waited too long…
Say hi to Trevor for me, you two were great to me…
So much love,
John De Pinto
Don Halward
Very sorry to hear of Judi’s passing. She had been married a long time ago to my old friend Wayne Harman (for whom, however, I cannot find an obituary!)
Don Halward
Very Sorry to hear of Judi’s passing. I had hoped to contact her directly before she got ill, to find out if she could tell me when my old friend (and her former husband) Wayne Harman, passed. Somehow, after high school, we lost track of him, and before we knew it, he was gone.
Don Halward
If any of Judi’s long-time friends remember Wayne, and can let me know when, where, and how he died, I’d be very grateful. I’ve been trying to track that information down for years now, and haven’t had any luck. A small group of us from Earl Haig were quite close for a few years, and would like to know.
Judy Contois
A few minutes ago, as I have often done (on FB, for example) I thought of Judi and Googled her name, this time adding ‘singer’ to my search.
I was then saddened to learn that my old friend from 1970/71 has now passed away.
Waaay back then, I worked for Great West Life in downtown Toronto, training for working with the very first OHSIP (now OHIP) claims, when private companies were still involved. Judi joined us via Office Overload, which she told us she used for temporary work assignments between singing gigs. She invited me and other workmates to her performances and, of course, we did attend and we adored her and so admired her talent and infectious personality.
I remember hearing Joy to the World by Three Dog Night and recommending that they consider covering it…and how thrilled I was when they did add it to their playlist; it was the perfect song, I felt, to display her vibrant, enthusiastic personality and powerful voice!!
The last I believe I was with her socially, she and others had just formed a group called ‘Tapestry’ and I have allllways begrudged Carole King the fact that SHE released an album entitled ‘Tapestry’ at just about the same time, taking all the wind out of Judi’s Canadian group’s sails.
The last we spoke, she had been hired for a season to perform onboard with a cruise line.
I left Toronto in the late 70s and lost touch with so many.
People like Judi, however, live on in the hearts and minds of all those who were so blessed to have her step into their lives, myself included.
Forever, a shining star.
God bless you, Judi.
Judy Contois (nee Simpson)
William Norval
Hi Judy, thank you for your message of condolence. Today, marks the third year of Judi’s passing. I loved reading your memories of Judi. I miss her everyday. I too am privileged to have known her and had her in my life.
Take care.
Bill Norval
Lesley Mc
I’m so sorry to hear of Judi’s passing. I don’t know how to begin, but I just found out today that Judi was the executrix for my birth mother’s will (Shirley Mae Kendall) who passed in 2001. From what I found out she and Judi lived in the same building and were good friends. If anyone knew Shirley, I would really love to hear from you. My email is ldmcloughlin@sympatico.ca (Lesley)
George Carr
Well my friend Judy, it’s been over 3 years now and it feels like we lost you yesterday. Time goes by very quickly but the special memories we’ve shared will always remain. I know you not here in physical form but you are here in spirit. You are always on my mind and with that I say rest in power.
Your friend
George 🙂
Theo Poot
Dearest Judi,
Its been a while and still i think of you and the great times we all had together. Miss you Rock doll