LAURA AGNES JOHNSON (ATKINSON)

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LAURA AGNES JOHNSON (nee ATKINSON) Laura Agnes Johnson of Winnipeg Manitoba passed away on July 20, 2010 after a brief illness. Laura was born on October 2, 1921 and was 88 years of age. The daughter of William J. and Agnes E. Atkinson, Laura is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Leo Johnson, her daughter Nancy Masson of Teulon, Manitoba, sons Ed (Maureen) of Calgary, Brian (Sherry) of Sydney, Australia and Tim (Robin) of Winnipeg as well as seven grandchildren (Clayton, Laura-Lee, Andrea, Stephen, Sarah, Quentin and Drew) and four great-grandchildren (Dakota, Faith, Ashton and Aisha). Laura is also survived by the children of her brother Dean Atkinson who resided in Victoria, BC including niece Joan Webb of Lake Cowichan, BC and nephews Bill (Christine) and Jack (Cathie) Atkinson of Victoria, BC and their families. Laura was predeceased by her beloved grandson Christopher Johnson in 1998, her son-in-law John Masson in 2000 and her brother Dean Atkinson in 2006. Laura lived her entire life in the family home on Canora Street in the Wolseley district of Winnipeg and was well known and respected as the neighbourhood historian by her many friends and neighbours. Laura also enjoyed raising her family at the summer cottage in Matlock and spent many happy times there throughout the years. Laura supported many local charities and represented her community as an elected member of the city's first Resident Advisory Group for Wolseley, a position she held for ten years. An anti mosquito-fogging activist, Laura was vocal in the fight to stop the harmful airborne spraying of mosquitoes and was highly supportive of the city entomologist in his dragonfly initiative. Laura was a talented poet, artist, photographer and gardener and was a caring, loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She was truly an original character who held close the traditions and values of the past. Laura will be missed by all who knew her. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Hunter Memorial Hospital in Teulon, Manitoba for their exceptional and compassionate care during this difficult time. If so desired, donations may be made in Laura's memory to the Teulon-Hunter Memorial Health District Foundation Inc., Box 312, Teulon, MB R0C 3B0. According to Laura's wishes, no memorial service will be held. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 24, 2010