Judith Claire Gritten of New Norway and formerly of Camrose, passed away on April 5, 2025 at the age of 85 years.

She was born in Halifax, N.S.  to Robert and Winnifred Bower. She grew up in Nova Scotia where when she was older, met her first husband Carl Meisner.  They soon moved to Ontario where their daughter Karen was born, followed by Andrew, Tony and Tim.

In 1985, after all her children moved to Alberta, mom and dad moved out to be with their children. It was only a short time before dad started showing signs of Alzheimers and was shortly there after placed at Rosehaven Care Centre. Before going into care, mom worked full time and was also taking care of dad. She was a strong woman and had gotten through some tense times. Dad passed in April 1993.

Mom stayed working at Rosehaven and enjoyed visits from her children. In 1998 mom met a gentleman by the name of Ron Gritten. They hit it off and were married in September 1999. They moved to New Norway where they bought a cute little house. They painted and made it their own. Together they enjoyed dancing and not only in Camrose but in Ponoka Pattern Dancers Association and Wetaskiwin.

She also became an artist. She joined the Bashaw Art Club where she met a lot of new friends and created many beautiful paintings. One was even bought by Manulife and is hanging in their Edmonton office. She also enjoyed crocheting as well having made several afghans.

Mom found a sister she didn’t know she had in the early 2000’s and was so excited when Ron took her to Maine to meet her. The two got along quite well and it became a lasting sister relationship. From Maine mom, Ron, her sister Kitty and Kitty’s husband John travelled to Cape Breton. It was a wonderful time.

Things slowed down the older they got and they became content in their little home. They enjoyed listening to music, reading their Kobos and sitting on their deck when the weather was warm .

She  leaves to cherish her memory, husband of 25 years, Ron; daughter Karen, son Tony and son Tim; grandchildren Kyle Bensmiller , Derek Bensmiller (Sharnelle) and Dylan Bensmiller (Lindsay), Aaron Meisner (Meagan), Caitlyn Karcha (Will); great-grandchildren Lennon and Harrison Bensmiller; Peyton, Colton, Dawson Meisner with one on the way.; Skylar and Lexi Karcha;sister Kitty Gee of Maine, brothers Tim and Paul (Sandy).

Mom was predeceased by her first husband Carl Meisner; two sisters; two brothers and her parents.

Mom was an easy going person and liked by all who knew her. We all have wonderful memories of mom that will stay with us forever.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Weber's Mount Pleasant Chapel in Camrose, Alberta.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.