Community Profile: Judy Martin
For this month of October, we are grateful to be able to turn the spotlight onto an involved member of our English-speaking community, seasonal resident of Metis, Judy Martin. Though reluctant to be featured as this month’s Community Profile, she is a force for good, and a good friend of our organization, guiding us on fundraising throughout the last year. She agreed to complete this Q&A so that the focus could be on the fundraising campaign for the Association du Cancer Est du Quebec (ACEQ), where she regularly volunteers. Judy is a stage-3 cancer survivor, who has changed lives through her work with various organizations in cancer care and fundraising. Most recently she was spotted on her bike during the Metis Beach School’s Terry Fox Run, encouraging runners along the way.
Where are you from? Where is home for you?
I am from Montreal. I am super lucky to call Montreal, Knowlton and Metis sur Mer home, as my family are spread out.
Did you know about poutine before you arrived? Best place to get it if you do know?
Actually, I did. But I have never had a poutine. While I love gravy on fries, the cheese curds don’t do it for me.
What is your favourite place in the Lower Saint Lawrence, and why?
I have come to love the warmth of people I’ve met from around the Bas St Laurent through my work and volunteer lives. I especially love being in Metis sur Mer in the spring and fall seasons… chasing the snow geese.
Your favourite pastime?
Being outside in the fresh air. Eating ice cream, if that’s a pastime. I have said for years that on my last day I’ll go skiing in the morning, golf in the afternoon, have fries and ice cream for dinner. Pretty simple.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being alone on a golf course early morning watching the mist rise from the greens, but skiing first tracks of a carpeted black diamond ski pitch would be right up there.
What talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to sit at a piano and play by ear…We watched my grandfather do it when we were very young, who knows why none of us took to it then.
What is your greatest achievement?
Aside from the family life Michael and I have built together? The contributions I’ve made in youth protection programs in Quebec, helping cancer patients through our team’s comfort kit programs in Cedars Cancer Foundation Montreal and the Association du Cancer de l’Est du Quebec in the BSL regions, supporting the schools and community programs for kids in Montreal and Metis sur Mer…all possible because of the support I receive from family, friends and community.
What is your motto?
Easy. Shit Happens…because it does for everyone, regardless of their life circumstances. But can you print that? SHTHPNS…
Biggest regret?
That when asked “what’s my education?”, my answer is a Bachelor of Common Sense from the University of Life. I was never an inspired student, except in the gymnasium…
