BETTY ANNE JOHNS

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BETTY ANNE JOHNS Betty Anne Johns, born September 9, 1943, sister, aunt, best friend forever, surrogate mother and grandmother, and educator passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at age 70, from complications following surgery. An American by birth, Betty served in the Peace Corps in the Philippines and taught mathematics before joining the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba in 1969. A professor of math education, Betty was a faculty member and Head of the former Department of Curriculum: Mathematics and Natural Sciences. From 1987 to 1992, she dedicated much of her time to various executive and appointed positions within the University of Manitoba Faculty Association, culminating in her being President 1990 to 1991 and past president the following year. Betty was a member of the Association for the Supervision of Curriculum Development (ASCD), the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the Manitoba Association of Mathematics Teachers (MAMT). Betty retired from the University of Manitoba in 2009 after 40 years of dedicated leadership and service to the Faculty of Education, the University of Manitoba, and the broader educational community, but she remained committed to the Pension and Benefits committee, continuing to serve her University of Manitoba family. Betty is survived by her sister Carole (Ronald) Dalesandro; nieces Michele Housholder (Mark), Holly, Nikki and grandniece Alyssa, niece Joelyn (friend Todd Hadden); brother Jimmy (Karen); niece Jesse (Christian); nephew Matt; brother David (Chris), niece Lexie; nephew AJ (Elaina). She also left behind her Canadian family Sandie Kouritzin (Satoru Nakagawa) and her "grandchildren" Hanika and Tyrone. Betty loved family, friends, music, animals, mathematics, puzzles, travel, Asian-inspired art, and reading. She was a fan of the WSO and American college football. Betty had a great sense of humour and a left-leaning passion for politics and the world. Betty was a member of the Manitoba PEO Foundation, a philanthropic society devoted to the education of women that gave her great joy and satisfaction. A celebration of Betty Johns' life will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. at Betty's favourite restaurant, The East India Company (349 York Avenue). March 16 was Betty's late mother's birthday. Tributes and remembrances of Betty will be offered at 1:15 p.m. with a lunch to follow. If you are able to attend please let Sandie know by Friday, March 14, 2014 at 204-287-8029 or kouritzin@shaw.ca to estimate numbers for the restaurant. Many thanks to the Grace Hospital staff in 2-South and ICU for their caring and attentive concern. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba P.E.O. Foundation (c/o The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350-One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3, 204-944-9474). Wojcik's Winnipeg Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Ave., 204-897-4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com Everyday the urge to talk to Betty is overwhelming. We will miss you forever, but will hold you in our hearts.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 11, 2014