KIRCHNER, Judith (née Thrasher)
April 17, 1939 - March 29, 2021
Judith is deeply missed by her children Lise Kirchner (Brent Mullin) and Matthew Kirchner (Lisa Osoba); sisters Ann Rogers and Sarah Thrasher; grandchildren Zachary, Ella, Eli and Charlie; and many nieces, nephews, friends, students and colleagues. Judith is predeceased by her husband David with whom she shared 47 years of adventure, laughter, some hard times and great love; by her brothers Duncan and Fred Thrasher; and her parents Fred and Marjorie (née Duncan) Thrasher.
Judith spent her early years in Snowshoe BC, centre of her father's lumber business. At age 4, she moved to Vancouver to attend Queen Elizabeth Elementary and Lord Byng High. She studied at UBC earning a Bachelor of Home Economics in 1960 and a Dip.Ed. (Guidance & Counselling) in 1994. In 1960, Judith moved to Victoria where she fell in love with a young lawyer, David Kirchner. They married in 1963. The following summer, Judith travelled to Scotland to represent Canada as a highland dancer in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, performing with Mary Isdale's "BC Highland Lassies."
Judith's true passion and calling was as a teacher. She touched the lives of hundreds of students and was widely respected for her pioneering role in BC's Career Preparation Program. Judith was a tireless advocate for the students who thrived in this experiential model of learning. In 1989 she secured government support for the construction of a commercial teaching kitchen at Esquimalt Secondary resulting in a legendary Cook Training Program which graduated dozens of students each year. Many of these students went on to successful careers in the food and hospitality industry. Judith also held leadership roles in the Victoria Acadamie of Chefs de Cuisine, the University Women's Club and the Teachers of Home Economics Specialist Association. A lifelong volunteer, Judith served the community through the Salvation Army, the Mothers' March, Georgia Strait Alliance, Peninsula Streams Society and Saanich Volunteer Services.
Judith loved backpacking and hiked many spectacular trails. She had fond memories of her travels to Australia, Europe, Britain and Asia and was an avid reader and supporter of the arts. But she was happiest on Gambier Island at the summer property she shared with her siblings for over 70 years. Long summers in and on the water, surrounded by her grandchildren and family, fed her soul. Judith had boundless energy. She was fiercely loving and loyal, generous and welcoming, and outrageously fun and full of life. In her honour please consider a donation to the Peninsula Streams Society (peninsulastreams.ca). A celebration of life will be held when we are able to gather again.