Judith Dianne (Barnes) Baxter

Judith “Judi" (Barnes) Baxter of Clifton Royal, NB, died peacefully at home on September 2nd, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. 

Born and educated in Saint John, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Margaret (MacVicar) Barnes. Judith is survived by her devoted sister Patsy (David) McDougall and was predeceased by her sisters, Carole Dixon and Barbara Melvin. 

Judith enjoyed a joyful marriage for 61 years to her sweetheart, best friend and kitchen dance partner Glendon Baxter. Together they raised three beautiful daughters, Cherylynn, Wanda (Randy Colwell), and Jennifer (Jeremy Oliver), and delighted in their granddaughter, Emilie (Andrew Matte). 

Creative and community-minded, Judith worked as an artist, an illustrator, and a designer of theatre sets and window displays. In 1977, she and Glen built their family home on the Kingston Peninsula and embraced rural living. 

Judith was passionate about Peninsula Heritage and spent many years guiding the John Fisher Memorial Museum. She was a founding director of the Clifton Royal Recreation Council and the Kingston Farmers Market. She also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the New Brunswick Museum, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian War Museum. Among many recognitions, she was awarded both the Queen’s Silver medal and the Golden Jubilee medal. 

A talented artist and author, Judith is best-known for her book 845: A Pencil Sketch Tour of the Kingston Peninsula. She will be remembered as a community builder, tireless and capable heritage advocate, gifted artist, and for her keen intelligence. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, loyal friend and occasional rule-breaker. As her favorite church window states “She Hath Done What She Could”. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (506-646-2424).  A service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church on Monday, September 8th with visitation at 10 am, the funeral at 11 am, and followed by a reception at Fundy Funeral Home at 12:30 pm. 

The family would like to express gratitude for the exceptional care provided by Horizon Health’s extramural and outpatient palliative care teams, and to our dear friend Jacqueline Fraser. Donations in memory of Judith can be made to Kingston Peninsula Heritage, the New Brunswick Museum or charity of your choice.