In Celebration of

Judith Ann Wahl

July 3, 1952 - May 15, 2024

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Judith Ann Wahl on May 15, 2024. She was born in Toronto on July 3, 1952. Judith (Judy to her family) graduated from St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, in 1974 and obtained her LLB degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1977. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1979. After 5 years in private practice, Judith became the first employee and Executive Director at the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE), a specialty legal clinic for seniors in 1984. It was through Judith’s work and mentorship that elder law became a unique and identifiable area of practice in Canada. Judith’s contributions were vast. On behalf of ACE, Judith wrote and contributed to many important policy papers and submissions that have changed legislation in Ontario, especially in the areas of long-term care, health care consent and substitute decision-making. She retired from ACE in 2017 and continued her work on behalf of the elderly as Wahl Elder Care. Judith received many awards over her career, including the Osgoode Hall Law School Gold Key Award for Public Service (2006); the Ontario Bar Association Award for Distinguished Service (2008); the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her role in establishing the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly and the Development of Elder Law as an Area of Practice in Canada (2013); the Orville Thacker Award for Excellence in Advocacy for Extraordinary Advocacy for Seniors, from the Ontario Health Coalition (2018); and, the Ontario Bar Association’s Award for Excellence in Elder Law (2024). Judith was a caring sister to Pat Banel (Joseph) and Carole Gallie. She was an aunt to Cathy Gallie, Glen Gallie (Denise) and Melissa di Vona. She was a great-aunt to Darrell Hector (Lina), Jordan Gallie, Olivia di Vona, Noel Kendall, Tyler Gallie, Michael Gallie, Sophie Gallie and great-great-aunt to Anthony Hector, Jordai Bowen and Sinsere Gallie. She was predeceased by her parents Richard Edward Wahl and Helen Wahl (Adamczyk). There will be a private family gathering following cremation. A celebration of life to be announced later. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly, or a charity of your choice, would be welcome.

Guestbook

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Stan and Donna Colley (Cousin)

Entered May 17, 2024 from |Newmarket, Ontario

Our heartfelt condolences to Pat, Joe, Carol and Judy's many nieces and nephews on her recent passing. My cousin was very well known in the legal community for her many years of devoted work for ACE. We cannot express enough our overwhelming pride in all of Judy's accomplishments in the field of Elder Law. Many called her a Titan in her field, and deservedly so. But to us she was cousin Judy, a kind, beautiful soul who always took the time to speak to us and ask us all about our careers and personal lives. She cared and it showed in her smile and with her hug as we said goodbye to each other after family gatherings. Judy, thank you for helping those that needed to be helped, and thank you for being our cousin. Love you!!

Sylvia Davidson (Colleague)

Entered May 18, 2024 from Toronto, ON

I had the honour to work with Judith on more than one occasion, when my role as an occupational therapist focussed on older adults, raised challenging, sometimes tricky, always interesting situations. Judith never failed to show the utmost respect and empathy for everyone, clients as well as colleagues. Her knowledge was vast and I learned a great deal because she was so willing to share. She made me a better clinician, but of much more importance, she made elder care better.
My thoughts are with her family. May you take great comfort from all the good memories.

Albert Nigro (Friend)

Entered May 18, 2024 from Toronto

Judy and I were close friends during our undergrad years at SMC and at Osgoode, which overlapped. We stayed good friends for several years after our Calls, but as these happen life intervened and we saw and heard from each other with less and less frequency. We did have some (virtual) contact during the pandemic, a time that surely reminded us all of the importance of friendship. I always thought that we would see one another again, but sadly and regretfully it never happened. Something that I now greatly regret. May she rest in peace.

Mary Schulz

Entered May 18, 2024

I am deeply saddened to hear of Judith's death, after a long and meaningful career serving vulnerable older adults in Ontario. I had the honour of working with Judith over many years and have great respect for her knowledge, expertise, commitment and passion. In the seemingly endlessly changing world of law, Judith was a source we could always rely on for current and nuanced explanations and advice. If Judith said it was so, it simply was. I wish she had longer to enjoy her time on earth. What a contribution she made! I am grateful for having known her. My deepest sympathy to her family and close friends.

mary jane mossman and brian bucknall (Former teacher and friend)

Entered May 21, 2024 from Toronto

I was deeply saddened to read the news of Judy's death. She was a student (and a very good one!) in my seminar on Women and the Law at Osgoode in 1975, and I served on the Board of ACE in the 1980s under her truly inspiring leadership there. She kindly gave a special lecture about elder care and ACE to my students at Osgoode in later years -- and she was inspired and inspiring! Judy and I also also shared concern for Parkdale Community Legal Services, but alas, we did not connect after covid. Brian and I want to send sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Judy's family -- a huge loss to all of us and to the world of advocates for the elderly. Condolences.