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BARBARA JOHNSON
Born: Feb 12, 1946
Date of Passing: May 02, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBARBARA JOHNSON
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara Elaine Johnson, who succumbed to her battle with cancer on Friday, May 2, 2025. She was 79 years old.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Claude (aka Pat) and Margaret (nee Bender), and sisters, Loretta and Carolyn. She is survived by her brothers, Doug (Linda) and Rodney (Judy); sister Christine (Steve); nephews and nieces, Tracie, Scott, Doug, Alison and their families.
Barbara was born February 12, 1946 in Manitou, Manitoba where she spent her early years. In 1956 the family moved to Brandon where Barbara graduated from Neelin High School in 1964. Barbara then moved to Winnipeg to attend Red River College becoming a certified library technician. She held positions with the River East School Division, the Manitoba Government, CUSO and finally with the Seven Oaks School Division.
Barbara is best known for her love of travel. Beginning with her travels to Europe during the swinging sixties, Barbara never lost her desire to explore the world. It is likely easier to list the countries she did not visit. Through her position with CUSO she was able to work in places such as Columbia and Thailand. After retirement Barbara continued to travel as an international pet sitter with assignments in New Zealand, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Switzerland and the UK. Through her travels, Barbara made many lasting memories and cherished friendships.
Barbara held strong convictions rooted in ideology supporting international justice and development. She referred to herself as a "political junkie", enjoying political commentary and discussions. As a librarian she was an avid reader and enjoyed her book clubs. Barbara loved everything British and was never happier than when she was visiting her friends across the UK, watching Brit Box or cheering on her favourite football teams on the telly. She enjoyed a dram of good Scotch, a pint of Smithwick’s and a tipple of fine tempranillo. Barbara was generous to the core and we all benefitted from her willingness to give and share. She was independent from beginning to end and lived life on her own terms.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff of St. Boniface Hospital, units 4E and 7AW who made Barbara’s final days easier for everyone. Thank you to everyone who reached out during this very difficult time. Barbara was loved and will be sorely missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Home, 1442 Main Street.
If friends desire, donations in Barbara’s name can be made to Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.ca) or to a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2025
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Dear Barbara, we will miss you. Your smile, or witty retort, or stories of your travels, the wonderful books you chose and encouraged us to read, all will be remembered. Our condolences to all your family at this sad time. - Posted by: Zoe Thompson (friend and colleague) on: Jun 20, 2025
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Our condolences to Barbara’s family. Fortunately, we had a nice visit with Barbara when she visited Victoria last December. She was a very kind and generous person, who helped a lot of people. She was engaged with current political issues, liked to tell stories from her travels, and had a good sense of humour. Dan worked at CUSO in Vancouver with Barbara, in 1997, and when she heard we were looking for a dog sitter so we could take a vacation, she volunteered and did so several times. Years later she started her pet sitting consistently, and she flew out to Galiano Island and Otter Point several times to take care of our two cats. We are very grateful to Barbara and will miss her a lot. Cam McGowan & Dan Peiser, Otter Point, BC - Posted by: Cameron McGowan (Friend) on: May 30, 2025
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Barbara and I met in Brandon at Neelln High School (originally Comp High.) Barbara played basketball and I was on the cheerleading team. When we finished high school. Barbara joined me in London England in the late 60's, that was the start of her love for travel. We hit all the tourist sights in London, as a tourist, and as a couple of girls in their early 20's, we ventured in to the pubs and clubs in Soho. Quite an eye open to a couple of girls from Brandon! We had so many memories of that time, one we still would talk about, we went to the Royal Albert Hall to see The Four Tops, with Jimmy Hendrix as there lead act, all at a cost of 75 cents. Another, we saw Ray Charles for $1.50 at the Concert Hall. We had a group of fun loving friends, one was my cousin. Barbara became a very close friend of my cousin, over the years she spent a lot of time with her and her family. Barbara would use her as her base when she would be traveling all over Europe, housesitting, animal sitting and just traveling. She also did work with CUSO helping people in need, Since technology has taken over our world, I could at least find out where in the world she was. So often I would be sending a note, "Barbara, where are you now." Our friendship has lasted over the years. When I returned from London I met my husband and when we got married Barbara was one of my bridesmaids. My wedding attendants were Sharon Greenberg (Beatty) and Jackie Drever (Lelonde.) The four of us went to Neelin together. Over the years we have always managed to keep in touch. I will miss Barbara. She was such a kind and loving person, it showed in her ecards that she would send out for any and all occasions. I missed my Easter card this year, which was very strange. Now I know why, I was not aware that she had been so very ill. Rest in peace my dear friend. I know that you are somewhere in London or the English countryside. I am so glad that I introduced you to your favorite and happy place. Love Karen and Ted Paterson - Posted by: Karen & Ted Paterson (Friend) on: May 11, 2025
