A well-known Sarnia philanthropist has died.
Judith Anne Alix passed away at St. Joseph's Hospice on Saturday, November 5 at the age of 80.
Judith was heavily involved in the Sarnia-Lambton community, and made significant contributions to many local initiatives.
Judith and her late husband Norman sold their family business, Steeplejack Services, several years ago and contributed $1.5 million to Sarnia's downtown art gallery which bears their name.
The art gallery just celebrated its 10 year anniversary over the weekend.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, Judith Alix, Adam Alix and Seaway Kiwanis President Donna Kelso cut the ribbon opening the new carriage house at Canatara Park. May 31, 2017 (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
The couple also chipped in around $340,000 to refurbish Alix Field at Norm Perry Park, and helped fund various community organizations through the Alix Foundation.
The foundation has advanced more than $5 million, to over 30 community projects, during its 30 year history.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley saod Judith and her late husband Norm were very generous in their philanthropy.
"The Alix Foundation has had a huge impact on Sarnia-Lambton and continues to do so," said Bradley. "It gives charities and organizations a place to go to, to look at support to advance the community and to invest in the quality of life. So, that is a huge legacy that will continue for generations."
In a statement, Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott said the life of Judith Alix touched the lives of nearly everyone within our community.
"Whether it was through her career as a registered practical nurse, or her life with her family and her husband Norman, the generosity of Judy and the Alix family has touched the lives of nearly everyone within our community," said Marriott. "The Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery, the local hospice, the Hospital Foundation, Lambton College, and countless smaller community projects, such as the Kineto Theatre renovation and the Forest Curling Club, are a few of the examples of local groups benefitting from their generosity."
Judith is survived by her three children, 10 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and her older brother, John.
According to her obituary, she was known for her love of horses, dogs, art, music, sports and photography. She was revered as a great cook and was famously known for her Yorkshire pudding and assorted fudge bakes. She was the ultimate sports mom to many, and fully supported her son Joe's passion for sports and was his biggest cheerleader and fierce defender.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, November 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, November 11, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line in Sarnia.
A funeral service will take place on Friday, November 11, at 4 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home.