As my mother neared retirement several people encouraged her to write a book. She brushed them all off, who would publish her, and who on earth would want to read what she wrote?
I tried to have a serious talk with her about it when retirement finally came. She herself freely admitted she led an incredible life, and people loved listening to her tell stories about her life in Bequia, so why not give it a shot?
“I’m a nobody, who would be interested in what I have to say?”
People! I talked about armchair travel books, cited all the books (and their subsequent films) that nobodies wrote that became hits. Most had a singular experience, whereas she had a lifetime of interesting experiences.
“I dunno honey, I’ll think about it.”
Less than a year into retirement, while at a campsite with their RV, my mother made an announcement: she was going to write about her life, but not as a book; she was going to write a blog.
“A blog?! Mother, do you even know what a blog is?!”
“Yes, of course!”
“Do you read blogs?”
“I read one once, it was awful!”
Lord! I shook my head in disbelief. My mother, who claimed she was a dinosaur with technology, was going to write a blog.
And she did.
I shouldn’t have been surprised. Anything my mother turned her hand to was a success, be it a restaurant and bakery, renting villas, organizing cruise ships or improving tourism on Bequia. She didn’t know how to do any of those jobs when she started, but she knew how to tell a story! With some help they found a platform and Nik set about learning how to build and maintain a blog. They scanned and tagged old photos and took new pictures to add to the stories my mother would write. And write she did! She would email me the stories to edit, sometimes just one, sometimes several at a time, and I would cut and paste and make suggestions. It’s hard as a writer to accept changes to what you have written, but she was gracious about it. She would print out the original and the one with edits and read them aloud at sunset on the porch to Nik, who would give his input. Through this process a pattern was formed and she found her voice. She would write many and store them to be released while she traveled so the blog never took a break. Eventually she didn’t need me anymore and the stories would be a surprise every Saturday morning while eating my breakfast. Most stories were ones I grew up hearing, like a legend, but many surprised me, having either slipped through a crack in memory or were told after I left home. My sister would read them aloud to her family and would text her “Good one mummy!” They are often funny and lighthearted, but some were sad, some serious. They all reflected an interesting life worth writing about, and an island full of wonderful people that she loved. Bequia has changed several times since the 70’s, and will continue to do so, and the blog captures little snapshots in time that has us all remembering different versions of her. Bequia has many fine storytellers, and I hope the blog inspires them to write their histories down.
Judy has left us, but her stories live on. Her blog is a gift to not just my family but to all who knew her. I will miss reading her posts every week, but mostly I will miss my mother.
Wonderful said. Judy was an amazing personality. I’ll miss her and her blog terribly 🥲
Judy was a wonderful storyteller and a beautiful human. I will look back on her posts with fondness.
Vanessa, Rachel &:Nik, I am so very sorry for your loss. Judy will be sorely missed.
Months ago, I happened to do a search for something Bequia and stumbled upon Judy’s blog. I was so excited to get reading as Bequia has a special place in my heart from back in 1982 when I spent time on the island. I was surprised and excited to see how many stories I had to read and read them all, I did. I every day I binged on as many as I could. I couldn’t wait to sit down with a coffee and read her blog. When I caught up, I was disappointed that I had to wait a week for the next one. Her stories got me so excited that I finally made a decision to go to Bequia after a 40 year absence.
I wish I had the opportunity to meet with her but didn’t.
I was encouraged by her blog so much that I am now writing my travel tales of 50 years in the travel industry.
I didn’t know her but feel I have lost a friend. Mush love from Canada
I am so sorry for your loss. My husband and I spent a magical week in Bequia almost 30 years ago. Your Mother’s stories brought me much joy and brought back happy memories of our week there. She lived a wonderful life.
I am so so sad and sorry to hear this news. Long history with Judy as my parents had the Blue House on Lower Bay and we visited every year. I remember you girls playing with my kids at gatherings and meeting your grandparents.
I had just sat down for my Saturday ritual of reading the blog and instead read this sad news. Hugs to you all. 💙 Nancy Grimnes…daughter of Jane and Bruce King.
I am very sad to learn about Judy’s passing and very grateful for her many blogs over the years. They gave me a chance to touch cherished memories – having first visited Bequia in 1979 and participated in the launching of the Water Pearl, I fell in love with the island, the people, the food, the energy that is Bequia. I visited several times over the years and always felt that it was a home away from home. Judy, thank you for your part in making Bequia what it is! God bless!
“Judy has left us” ??? I thought it was Judy, writing about her Mother starting a blog.
I am so, so very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you, your sister & Nik.
I first discovered Bequia at age 14, when 3 school friends and I, decided to travel from Trinidad to Barbados then Bequia, on Capt. Rawle King’s ‘Miss Guyana’. I fell in love with Bequia, this small magical island, and returned many times over my life by sailing yacht.
Judy’s stories brought back memories, as well as her, sharing of her life, her joys and sadness. I never met her, but felt like I did, her stories being so personal and honest.
May She rest in Eternal Peace in Heaven.
Ian Abraham
Thank you for the fun, relatable island stories, Judy. My Saturday mornings will not be the same. Love and condolences to the family.
Vanessa, Rachael , and Nik: This was such shocking news to me. My husband David (who died 3 yrs ago) and I had been to Bequia at least 10 times on a charter boat, our cruising sailboat, while visiting friends on their sailboats and just coming to stay on shore (Lower Bay Guest House and the Sugar Apple Inn. We spent some time with the Bequia Mission that was introduced to us by Judy’’s Dad, Ron Armstrong. We always would eat at Mac’s Pizzaria and just got to love Judy and her big smile and welcoming attitude. Doccy was the one who sent me the contact info about Bequia Stories and I just loved reading them. I know this is a difficult time for all of you. Please know that I am thinking of you and of all the things your Mom and Wife did before she left you. Blessings and peace,
Gloria Hoeppner
Bakersville, NC
Thank you so much. I’m tearing up as write. Your mother was so loved and respected. I can’t imagine Bequia without her smiling face.
On a different note, she once told me she had a stash of stories that she was waiting to publish after the subject died! I wondered how long I could keep receiving her stories.
Sending huge love to all the family , especially Nik who I’m afraid will starve without Judy’s cooking. They had such a special bond. I’m just devastated for all of you.
Dear Vanessa or Rachel (I don’t know which one of you posted),
My heart is heavy, such sad news!
As one of my Bequia Anglican High School formative years English teachers, Judy Armstrong made an indelible mark on me for life and fostered my love for reading, especially outloud.
As the understanding business woman to my family’s dire poverty, at age 13 when I approached her, she hesitantly gave me a Christmas school vacation job to wash wares/dishes at her business place, Mac’s Pizzeria. She kept me on during weekends for many, many months after that time. I gave my mother every cent I was paid.
My observation of her performing her culinary arts at the Pizzeria taught me to make so many delicious dishes such as: tuna sandwiches using boiled tuna fish caught fresh from the sea, pita bread sandwiches, chicken pot pie, banana bread, coconut bread, oatmeal raisin cookies, bran muffins, cheese muffins, yogurt and believe you me, the best tasting pizzas plus the best combinations of toppings for pizzas in the whole of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. My cordial and good relationship with her continued during her lifetime.
As a voracious reader, I enjoyed reading your mother’s BEQUIA STORIES. I commented twice and just last week I said to myself that I would write to her and recommend rather than suggest, that she compiled her Bequia Stories and published them in the form of a book. You and your family can give my idea consideration if you deem it worthwhile. It would be such a wonderful way to honour the mommy both of you have been blessed with …. definitely one of the best in the world.
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear mother. She is resting in peace.
Best regards,
Brennetta “Puntz” Dublin
of Hamilton, Bequia.
I do hope that Judy’s wonderful Island stories will eventually be published as a book with all the nostalgic photos, that we can buy and treasure.
I am so sad to hear of Judy’s passing – I will miss reading of her adventures on Bequia every Saturday. I found her blog in 2021 when my great aunt passed away. The executor of her estate needed information about her husband. we didn’t know she had still been married!! The only clue I had was she lived on Bequia for a time and met the Queen. I found Judy’s blog post about meeting the Queen and there was my great aunt standing next to Judy and her mother!! I contacted Judy and she gave me a bit of information – she remembered my great aunt.
Judy was definitely a “one of a kind woman”: teacher, writer, adventurer, restauranteur, amazing cook, entrepreneur, traveler, friend, partner, daughter, sister, and mother – she will be sorely missed.
That was a lovely tribute to your wonderful mother. Perhaps with your editing skills you could actually publish her blog stories as a book? It would certainly be a bestseller!
We were so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. And are also moved by your posting of this final blog.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed your mum’s writing – and hope that one day you will package them into a book so that more can benefit.