FRAYN

Our hearts are heavy as we share the passing of Judith “Judy” Elizabeth Frayn (née Reirson) of Rimbey, Alberta.  Judy passed away peacefully at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the age of 92 years, following a fall and a brief illness.

Judy was born on July 14, 1933, at the Bentley Hospital.  She was the third youngest of thirteen children born to Hans and Martha Reirson, who lived west of Gilby, Alberta in an area known as Snooseville.  Judy’s early years were shaped by humble beginnings, where hard work, resilience, and a strong sense of family were essential.  The family endured the loss of four children – experiences that deeply influenced Judy’s strength and compassion.

Judy attended school at the Leafland and Medicine Valley Schools, later continuing her education at a boarding school in Red Deer where she completed Grades 10 and 11.  Following her schooling, she began working as a ward aide at the Eckville Hospital.  During this time, she attended a local dance where she met Arthur Frayn, who was working on a bridge construction crew and was originally from the Consort, Alberta area.  Their shared values and connection led to their marriage on January 11, 1952. 

Together Judy and Art built a loving family, welcoming five children:  Sharron in 1953, Tom in 1955, Lana in 1956, Murray in 1959, and Randy in 1964.  Over the years, they lived in Gadsby and Calmar, Alberta before settling in Rimbey.  In 1964, they moved to their farm in the Leedale area, where they raised their family and created a home filled with warmth, hard work, and lasting memories.  Judy and Art later retired to Rimbey in 1993.  Retirement brought them great joy through involvement in the community, time spent golfing, winters in Arizona, and, most importantly, cherished moments with their growing family.     

Judy will be lovingly remembered by her children:  Sharron (Leroy) of Bentley, Tom (Elaine) of Rimbey, Lana (Bryan) of Rimbey, and Murray of Gull Lake; as well as her daughter-in-law Sheila of Rimbey.  She also leaves behind fifteen grandchildren; and twenty-five great-grandchildren (with another expected in September); along with three stepgrandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren, all of whom were a great source of pride and joy in her life.  Judy is also survived by two sisters-in-law Elvey Brown of Calgary and Pat Frayn of Red Deer; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband Art; her beloved son Randy; and all of her siblings. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care Judy received over the years from Dr. Rylance, the Valley View Manor and Rimbey Home Care staff, and the Rimbey Hospital team who supported her in her final days.

A Memorial Service in Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held at the Rimbey United Church, 4931 – 51 Avenue, Rimbey on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with the Reverend Ray Goodship officiating.  She will be laid to rest in the West Haven Cemetery, Rimbey at a later date.  If desired, memorial donations in Judy’s memory may be made directly to the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, c/o the Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhospitallegacycommittee.com); or to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, 1–020 Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta  T6G 2E1 (www.albertadiabetesfoundation.com). Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page. 

Service and Cremation Arrangements for the Late Judith “Judy” Elizabeth Frayn (née Reirson) entrusted to the care of