Obituary of Judith 'Judi' Lynne Banting

BANTING, Judith Lynne ‘Judi' (née Webb) March 15, 1946 – May 15, 2020 Judi was born in Palmerston, Ontario and moved to Hamilton, Ontario at a young age with her parents. She spent most of her childhood and teenage years there, where she attended Dalewood and George R. Allan public schools, Westdale Secondary School and Hillfield Strathallan College. Judi met her first and only love, David, during a sock hop at the Young People’s dance at David’s church. They went steady for five years and married when David was in his last year of Dentistry at U of T, class of ’67. She worked as an assistant glove and handbag buyer for Eaton’s and, through her savings, bought their first three room set of colonial style furniture. Judi and David moved to London, Ontario in 1970. By then, they had two young daughters, Jennifer and Melanie. Their son, Adam, came along a few years later. London has remained their home for 50 years and during that time Judi made many lasting friendships through Dental Wives bridge, the Bridge Ladies bridge group, and neighbours who she met in the three areas of north London where she lived. Judi was a caring, compassionate and loving individual who will always be remembered for her radiant smile and generous measure of common good sense. She was a model homemaker, a loving mother, an adoring wife and the best grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She was the glue that held them all… and everything else together. Judi tried and excelled at many things throughout her life: sewing, knitting, macramé, cake making and decorating, vegetarian cooking, bridge, doll making, and studying the genealogy of both families. One of her finest moments, she delighted in recalling, was when a female colleague of David’s at a university gathering asked her: “So what do you do?” Judi looked right into her eyes and impishly replied: “Just about anything I want.” She loved word games, puzzles, music, Chardonnay, gourmet dinners with friends, reading (particularly Chief Inspector Gamache novels), live theatre and driving a golf cart. Judi had strong opinions and a steadfast moral compass and was not afraid to make them known, but always in a non-confrontational, considerate manner. She was fortunate to enjoy four months living in sunny Florida (Sanibel and Marco Islands) each year for the past 18 years, where she met and befriended many wonderful people, whose friendship she had cultivated and valued. To say that she will be missed by her family and friends is a huge understatement. Judi was a great woman and grand dame who will be lovingly remembered. She leaves behind her beloved husband, David; her dear children: Jennifer Connolly (Shawn), Melanie Joseph (Gehad), all of London, and Adam Banting (Kate), of Toronto; her grandchildren: Gihan, Hannah & Hunter Joseph, Noah & Jonah Romer, and Delphine & Margot Banting; her siblings: Marnie Kohn (Harvey), of Southern Pines, North Carolina and Robb Webb (Liz), of Lantana, Texas; and her numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Judi are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society or Diabetes Canada. Miss me a little – but not too long And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me but let me go.