Judith Marilyn "Judy" Charkos

Judith Marilyn “Judy” Charkos

Judy Charkos, age 83 years, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre.

Judy was born on July 12, 1942, in Brandon, Manitoba, the eldest of four children.

After graduation from B.C.I., Judy began her life-long career at the Brandon Mental Health Centre, where she dedicated 37½ years of service. As she established her career, Judy met loving husband, Bill Charkos. The two were married on July 27, 1974, and together they built a loving family, welcoming daughters Shawna on August 24, 1976, and Jackie on October 30, 1978. Judy took great pride in raising her family while balancing a long and devoted career.

Family was at the heart of everything Judy did, supporting her grandchildren at their many activities, including hockey games, violin and dance recitals, baseball and soccer games, and swimming lessons. She cherished time spent with her loved ones: her sisters, children and grandchildren. Judy had many pets over the years; she loved them all dearly.

Judy was a member of First Presbyterian Church as well as the Heather Club. In her downtime, Judy enjoyed bowling, knitting, ceramics, cooking, baking, gardening and planting flowers, watching musicals and movies. Judy especially enjoyed playing board games such as Monopoly, card games, and crib with her daughters and grandchildren. In her retirement years, she found much joy in cheering on the Brandon Wheat Kings as a season ticket holder and was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan.

Judy will be lovingly remembered by daughters, Shawna Gray and Jackie (Wes) Carnegie; her beloved grandchildren, Anson and Avila Gray, and Ethan and Addison Carnegie; sisters, Sharon (Will) Nield and Janet Ferguson; brother, Jack (Barb) Riley; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bill Charkos; parents, Alice and Bill Riley; and brother-in-law, Doug Ferguson.

A private graveside service will take place at the Brandon Cemetery Columbarium. Urn Bearer will be her grandson, Anson Gray.

Donations in memory of Judy may be made to Westman Hospice, Box 2002, Brandon, MB R7A 6YB, or to Funds for Furry Friends, #208–740 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, MB R7A 0K9.