AGNES MAY JOHNSON

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AGNES MAY JOHNSON Agnes Johnson, devoted mother, grandmother, friend and teacher passed away on December 5, 2007 in her 92nd year. Celebrating her life are children Rick (Lynn), Larry (Melanie), Tom (Norma), Linda and grandchildren, Colin, Althea, Tory and Jenny (Ken). Husband Leonard; precious grandson Teague; son-in-law Clint Wheeler and siblings Jack, Bea, Ted, Charlie, Don and Brucie Colvin all predeceased Agnes. Born February 5, 1916, to John Colvin and Mabel Vance, Agnes was raised in East Kildonan where her father was Secretary-Treasurer of the East Kildonan School Board. The second of seven children, Agnes was devoted to her younger brothers. The nurturing role she played with them foreshadowed a lifelong devotion to children, teaching and learning. Agnes attended Lord Wolseley School, and graduated from East Kildonan Collegiate in 1932. Upon graduation from Normal School in 1934, she substituted, then taught grade three at Prince Edward School (19381941). Agnes later taught grades two five at Angus MacKay School (1960-1978) where, along with her grade five class, she authored a history of the school and the area. She often reminisced about children she had taught, always proud when news of a former student came her way. Agnes married Leonard Johnson on New Year's Eve, 1941. During their 44 years together, she and Len raised and educated four children and enjoyed summers with family and friends at Red Rock Lake. Together they traveled across Canada and toured the U.K. Later, Agnes visited the South Pacific. Agnes was a member of Kildonan United Church for over 50 years and, until recently, an active member of Unit 5 of the UCW. She was a member of Bleak House Seniors' Center for 29 years, serving on the Board and acting as correspondence secretary. Fiercely proud of her Scottish heritage, Agnes was a past member of the Burns Club. Agnes's grandchildren were her passion. She devoted limitless time and energy to them endless stories, conversations and explorations; batches of cookies and meals shared; afghans and sweaters knitted; seams sewn and papers edited; ceramic houses and Christmas trees to treasure. But most important is her legacy of love of learning and devotion to family, friends and those less fortunate. Agnes truly helped change the lives of many. A service to celebrate Agnes's life will take place on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Kildonan United Church, 187 Kilbride Ave., with Reverend Earl Gould officiating. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jason and the nurses of Unit 5, fourth floor, Seven Oaks Hospital for their care, compassion and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Save the Children, 174 Bartley Drive, Toronto M7X 5E1

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 2007