Judith (Judy) Bourassa, 76, passed away peacefully at home in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Monday, January 20, 2020, after a short battle with cancer. Her husband, Art Bourassa and her children were by her side during her final days, while she rested in the comfort of her own home.

Judy was born on January 3, 1944, to Theodore and Catherine Allwardt in Lewiston, Idaho. Two years later they moved to Moscow, Idaho. While growing up in Moscow, Judy participated in many high school activities, helped with the family business, was a summer camp counselor, as well as worked at JC Penney and the Appaloosa Horse Club. She enjoyed summer trips to Moxie, Washington, where she spent time with her cousins and worked on the family hop farm.

While attending the University of Idaho, Judy met the love of her life, Art Bourassa, who she often said was her husband, partner, and best friend. They married December 30, 1964 and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. After their wedding, they moved to Fort Lewis and were soon relocated to Hawaii, where Art served in the army, and their daughter was born. Mom loved the laid back lifestyle, sitting on the beach, and watching the waves roll in. She especially enjoyed the sound of the ocean as the waves hit the beach.

After leaving Hawaii, Judy and her family moved to Colorado Springs. Her husband’s job with the Forest Service soon gave them the opportunity to live in many different communities. Placerville, California, was where their son was born.

They then moved to Trout Creek, Montana. They were later transferred to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where they lived for 18 years. It was during this time that Judy taught her kids and husband to ski, planned wonderful camping trips, fished, made fall freezer jam, and tolerated the raising of a variety of farm animals.

Judy was known to enjoy a challenge and while she lived in Bonners Ferry, held many jobs and served in a variety of volunteer positions, but her most meaningful service was that to the Boundary County Volunteer Ambulance. She was passionate about helping people, enjoyed the many unknown challenges of a call, and loved her fellow volunteers. This service in life gave her great satisfaction and she often shared her experiences years later.

Once her children were raised, Judy and her husband moved with the Forest Service first to Sandpoint, and then to Orofino, Idaho, where they made great friends and enjoyed boating and fishing.

They later moved to Lewis-ton, Idaho, and Clark-ston, Washing-ton, to care for Judy’s mother. It was during this time that Judy attended Lewis and Clark State College and started her own business which provided secretarial services to several doctors in the areas.

After her husband retired from the Forest Service, they moved to his hometown of Sandpoint. They built a comfortable home on a piece of property that they had purchased several years earlier. Judy found great joy in making her house a warm and comfortable home. She loved planting and tending a variety of flowers in her beautiful back yard. Judy was also employed at a variety of businesses while in Sandpoint.

One of Judy’s favorite summer activities was to go camping at Sam Owen Campground with her family. This was a 45-year tradition. She also enjoyed a good yard sale, refinishing furniture, painting, making baby blankets for the hospital, and creating unique pieces of jewelry and decorative pieces for home decor. Knitting with good friends was also a highlight.

Judy was a dedicated volunteer with the Community Assistance League and was passionate about the many ways it served the community. She thoroughly enjoyed the many people she met and friendships she made while working with this organization.

She is survived by her husband, Arthur Bourassa; her children, Tracy Erb of Meridian, Idaho, and Scott Bourassa of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; her four grandchildren, Kameron Erb and Kathryn Erb, both of Meridian, and Elizabeth Bourassa and Emily Bourassa, both of Bonners Ferry; her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Ann Allwerdt of Great Falls, Montana.

Judy had a warm smile, kind heart, and felt things deeply. She was well known for her compassionate spirit and every ready hugs. She will be fondly remembered and missed greatly.

Judy wanted to thank all of those who kept in touch with phone calls, texts, emails, the many beautiful cards, flowers, and never ending goodies. She truly felt cared for and deeply loved.

She asked that any donations be made to the Community Assistance League at calsandpoint.org

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Judy’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.