Judy Tarnofsky, a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in Brampton, Ontario, on March 15, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on April 16, 1943, in the vibrant city of Montreal, Judy lived a life filled with creativity, love, and laughter that touched the hearts of everyone she encountered.
Judy is survived by her devoted husband, Tom Hosie. She leaves behind her loving sister, Norma Dunkley, and brother-in-law, Robert Dunkley. As a proud aunt, Judy adored her niece and nephew, Jessica Dunkley and Daniel Dunkley, and their families. She found immense joy in the lives of her great-nieces and great-nephews: Nyla,Hadley, Ryah, Tucker, and the newest addition, Waylan Dunkley. Judy’s love extended to her stepchildren, Kim Hosie and Anthony Rutenberg, Kelly Hosie and Marc Kelly, Andrew Hosie and Zsofia Kiraly, and Leanna Hosie and Franklin Nolfo, along with her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Brett and Kathleen Hosie, Tielor Reeves, Kinga Kiraly, Brayden Rutenberg and Kureha Hogan, Mary Jean, Ava, and Aiden Hosie.
Judy was a passionate photographer, teacher, and brilliant artist whose creativity knew no bounds. She had an extraordinary ability to capture moments through her camera lens, preserving memories that would last a lifetime. Her enthusiasm for exploring new technology was infectious, as she eagerly embraced the latest phones and computers, even when the learning curve proved to be a challenge. Judy’s artistic spirit was complemented by her wonderful sense of humor; she had a knack for finding joy in the simplest of things and loved sharing a good joke, often laughing so hard that she could hardly catch her breath.
Family was the cornerstone of Judy’s life. She cherished family gatherings and dinners, always looking forward to the warmth and love that surrounded her. With a twinkle in her eye, she would sometimes take matters into her own hands, opening a can of tuna and a bag of carrots if dinner wasn’t ready on time. Her favorite color, pink, mirrored her vibrant personality, radiating warmth and joy to all who knew her.
Judy was also a dedicated member of the YMCA, where she worked hard to maintain her health and fitness, embodying the spirit of vitality and resilience. Her love for animals was evident in her role as a devoted “mother” to her fur babies, Oliver and Mimi, and her fondness for collecting animal videos and TV shows brought laughter and joy to her family gatherings.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hawthorn Woods Long Term Care Facility for their compassionate care during Judy’s final years. A special thank you goes to Nurse Manny for the extra kindness and support provided to Judy, as well as to the wonderful nurses and caregivers on Lilly Lane, who loved and supported her during her most challenging times. The family is deeply grateful for the love and care that made Judy’s journey a little easier.
Judy Tarnofsky will be remembered for her creativity, humor, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and she will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
A funeral service will be held at Steeles Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, honoring Judy’s legacy of love and compassion.
Following the burial, all are invited back to the reception room at the cemetery for a refreshments and drinks.
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