KATHLEEN H. JOHNSON

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KATHLEEN H. JOHNSON With deep sadness we mourn the loss of Kathleen H. Johnson (neé Smith), who passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at Simcoe Manor, Beeton, ON. Kay was born in Greenridge, MB July 30, 1911, daughter of James M. Smith and Emma Post. After their mother's passing in 1920, Kay and her siblings were raised by their paternal grandmother, Janet (McKay) Smith in Crystal City, MB, where Kay continued her education, completing high school with the distinction of receiving the highest mark in the province on the Provincial English exam. While being successfully treated for tuberculosis at Ninette Sanatorium, Kay met among the patients her future husband, Franklin and many people who were to become lifelong friends. Following marriage in 1935, Kay and Frank raised their four children in Winnipeg, Transcona and St. Vital, including nephew James Smith who was a very special member of the family during the Transcona years. In 1994 Kay moved to Aurora, ON to be nearer three of her four children and, for the past eight years, Kay resided at Simcoe Manor in Beeton - a rural farming landscape reminiscent of her Greenridge home. Kay was predeceased by husband, Frank in 1985, by her brothers, Maxwell and Arthur and her sister Birdie, as well as granddaughter Jennifer Pritchard. Extended family, friends and community were the focus of Kay's life where, with her intelligence, determination and sense of humour she was an inspiration to all whom she encouraged to follow their dreams. An accomplished dressmaker, with an innate sense of design, her creativity, resourcefulness and hard work, provided an example for all who treasured those skills, many of whom were grateful recipients of her handiwork. She had a keen interest in tracing the family history and genealogy and was proud of her United Empire Loyalist heritage - and all things Scottish. Well read, she often quoted Robbie Burns and particularly enjoyed the music of Kenneth McKellar and attending the White Heather concerts. Kay's memory will be cherished by daughter Aldis and husband Jeff Brett, son David and wife Merril, all of Winnipeg; and by daughter Virginia of Aurora, and son Wayne and wife Sonia of Niagara on the Lake, ON; grand-children, Kathy James, Peter Brett, Karen St. Goddard, Kristen Robbins, Cara Slagle, Mona Ariburnu, Greg Johnson, Carolyn Pritchard, Keir Pritchard, Morgan Johnson, Kelsey Johnson and Hayley Johnson as well by sisters-in-law, Margaret Atwood and Lillian Zurbrigg, by nine great-grandchildren, and by many nieces and nephews. Special recognition is extended to staff of Simcoe Manor for their consistently understanding and thoughtful care provided for Mother over the last eight years as she struggled with dementia. In accordance with Kay's wishes, cremated remains will be interred at St. Vital Cemetery. A celebration of her life will take place in Winnipeg at a date to be announced.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 23, 2007