KATHLEEN (KAY) JOHNSON

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KATHLEEN (KAY) JOHNSON Kay passed away peacefully on December 23, 2006 at Golden West Centennial Lodge at the age of 91 years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Art, in 1975. A prairie girl her whole life, Kay was born in Weyburn, SK and was the eldest of four children. She attended Normal School in Winnipeg and went on to teach in a number of one room schools in rural Manitoba. While teaching at Newcombe School, east of Lac Du Bonnet, she met and married Art. Kay and Art had two daughters, Marlene Coates, now in British Columbia and Donna Hanneson (Jim) now in Australia. Kay was a devoted mother and homemaker. Family life was very important to Kay and she loved being Gramma to her grandchildren, James Coates (Julia Brown), Helen (Steven Ambeault) and Elaine Hanneson (Simon Wenzel). She had two great-grandchildren, Lauren and Nicholas Ambeault. Whenever possible she was there to celebrate their achievements or just to share in their lives. Eventually, Kay returned to substitute teaching in Winnipeg where she was much loved by her students. She had the gift of gracious discipline while getting the work done and was always in demand at her favourite schools. Kay loved to travel. During her married life there were countless family road trips in Canada and the U.S. Not an accidental tourist, she enjoyed learning about the places to be visited and took it all in. When Art passed away, she determinedly learned to drive the big blue Impala, so she could visit Marlene and family in Glenboro whenever she wanted. When Donna, Jim and Elaine moved to Australia, Kay enjoyed a number of extended visits down under where she was able to see a great deal of this amazing country. A master gardener, Kay could grow anything. Her vegetable garden on Toronto Street produced huge tomatoes, hundreds of pickling cucumbers and the sweetest peas. Her flower beds were works of art and roses and peonies were always her favourite. She was able to continue gardening on her balcony when she left her house for an apartment where plants continued to give her challenges and much pleasure. We may most remember Kay in the kitchen, as cooking was one of her passions. Her cinnamon buns were legendary, her gravy unmatched to this day, her recipe collection encyclopedic. She was always trying something new and until very recently looked forward to cooking for guests and sharing her baking with others. A graveside service for Kay will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave. with a funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. in the Golden West Centennial Lodge, 811 School Rd. at Ness Avenue with Major Roxanne Jennings officiating. We would like to thank the staff at Golden West Centennial Lodge for the gentle and compassionate care that allowed Kay to leave this earth with dignity and at peace. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude to Kay's friends in Winnipeg, especially Donna Beekenkamp and Bruce Hemlow, who unselfishly supported her to the end, not only with their time but with their love. Rest in peace Mom. If so desired, donations may be made in Kay's memory to Golden West Centennial Lodge, 811 School Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0S8. Kay's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2006