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ANNE E. JOHNSON
Date of Passing: Oct 08, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryANNE E. JOHNSON Peacefully on October 8, 2014, Anne passed away at the age of 93 at the Victoria General Hospital. She was surrounded by family and friends during the last few days before she left us to be with God. Anne is survived by her daughter Madeline (David), son Chris (Betty-Jean), grandchildren Chris, Leanne (Michael), Rachael (Dean), Tim, Sandra, Kayla and great-grandchildren Andrew, Sabrina, Brendan and Owen. As well she is survived by her sister Janet (Leonard), sisters-in-law Irene and Mary and brother-in-law Lionel (Gloria) and many nieces and nephews. Anne was predeceased by her husband Merle and by her parents Michael and Mychalena Kowalchuk and brothers Steve and Nick and sisters Nell and Helen. Anne was born in Allegra in the municipality of Brokenhead, Manitoba. Anne's first years were spent growing up on the farm near Ladywood and she loved everything about farm life. Anne had to move away from the farm to attend high school at Brokenhead and here she lived with her Grandmother Kowalchuk. She then received a scholarship to attend St. John's High School in Winnipeg for grade 12. After grade 12 she attended United College (now the University of Winnipeg) and here received her teaching certificate. Anne then received a teaching position at Gull Lake Manitoba, it was here she met another teacher (Mrs. Ursel) who introduced her to the Bible. She became a Christian in 1944. This was a life changing event in more than one way as she was also introduced to the Johnson family. At the Johnson home there was a picture on the piano of a young man that Anne highly regarded and who at the time was overseas serving in the war. In 1946 she married Merle, the man in the picture and the love of her life and they had 60 wonderful years together. Anne worked at Monarch Life until she became a mom and then devoted the next few years to family life. To help with finances she became an "Avon Lady" and also worked at the Woolworth's store. In the 1960s Anne returned to her teaching career and taught Kindergarten at Windsor Park church of Christ, General Vanier and Howden schools. She retired from teaching in June of 1979. Anne had many talents, she was a great cook and could sew basically anything and even made her own dress patterns. She even made stuffed animals, a pair of stuffed elephants were especially remarkable. However, at heart, she was always and mostly an artist and story teller. She first started painting with oils in the early 1960s. One image we have of her is sitting outside at an easel with her oil paints and brush in hand. She then tried other medias and water colours became a favourite but she especially loved and excelled in print making, which first involved etching out the image, in reverse, on a copper plate. Anne's art work is literally spread over the world and just one memorable event was when the Westin Hotel purchased seven of Anne's works to hang in the Royal Suite during the Queen's visit in 1984. She was a member of CAR/FAC, the St. James Art Club, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Manitoba Printmakers Association and the Manitoba Society of Artists. Anne also very much enjoyed teaching art classes and her home became "Atelier 45" where she especially enjoyed teaching and the company of her students, young and old, and who were also victim to Merle's bad jokes and his cookies. In Anne's later years her vision declined severely as she only had limited vision in one eye and her hands were afflicted with arthritis, but this didn't stop her creative drive as she made her own birthday and Christmas cards, fashioned dozens and dozens of little paper boxes out of used greeting cards or even out of her own art work and made small cloth purses. Anne was a highly creative, imaginative and interesting person and had many friends, young and old and family that will surely feel her presence missed. Above all Anne loved God, the Bible, her family, her friends and her art. Anne enjoyed life to its fullest and loved to be with people. She will be sorely missed by her family and all of her many friends. We know Anne would like to thank all the people that shared their lives with her while she was here and especially those who visited her and helped her get around the past couple of years, unfortunately we cannot mention them all but at the very least would like to thank Leonard and Janet, Mike and Leanne, Myrna, Corey and the staff and all her friends at Lindenwood Manor. Till we meet again. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Central church of Christ, 170 St. Mary's Rd. In lieu of flowers donations in Anne's memory may be made to the Central church of Christ Building Fund (170 St. Mary's Ave.) or to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 11, 2014
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Mrs Johnson - I will always call her that because we moved next door to the Johnson's when I was 5 years old. I could never bring myself to call her Anne. Madeleine babysat us, Chris taught me how to ride a bicycle. We were treated to fresh bread, cinnamon buns, perogies, muffins, flowers, love and especially art. I was a part of her early Saturday morning art classes. The inspiration sent me to Interior Design school at U of M. Anne instilled the love of art in my soul. I have a nice collection of Manitoba artists thanks to Anne and to her son in law David - some of hers, Winston Leathers and Edward Wilson. I have been in Toronto for over 30 years now - I won't miss her...she's around me every day :)Hugs to Rachel (Alex's favorite young friend!) and family. - Posted by: Michelle Turenne (Neighbour at Jubinville) on: Nov 02, 2014
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My condolences to you, Madeline, on the loss of your mother. It appears she was a remarkable woman who led an equally remarkable life and set a great example for all her family to follow. Thinking of you. - Posted by: Denise McNally (Friend, co-worker) on: Oct 13, 2014
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We are very sad to hear of beautiful Anne's passing from this world to her reward in heaven. In this, we rejoice with her and her family. Our condolences to all her family whom we know will truly miss her presence, and words of wisdom as much as we will. Anne meant the world to me, she was like my adopted Mom and mentor. She was always there for anyone when they needed some advise or comfort. Anne introduce me to water colour painting, as she did many others, in her home. I was part of the "Atellier 45" group that met there and painted and grew our painting talents. You always left full, not only from Merle's delicious cookies but Anne's inspiring words. She encouraged and planted seeds of her faith and knowledge. I remember that Anne & Merle had Bible studies as well, with many people and showed them their strong faith in God. So Anne was always teaching...I feel truly blessed to have been an adopted daughter to them and will truly miss Anne's beautiful smile, the twinkle in her eye, and her forever encouraging words of wisdom. May you rest in peace until we meet again. - Posted by: Margaret & Darwin Knutson (Family & friend ) on: Oct 13, 2014
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Auntie Anne, was a very talented artist and highly creative person. I cherish the art work that She gave to me and the work that I inherited from my dear late Mother Helen who was Auntie's Sister. I was lucky enough to have taken her name as my middle name Anne, it now has a much deeper meaning to me, and I will carry that always. I enjoyed many phone conversations in the later part of her life from my home in Florida, She was a rock to me when I lost my Mother and had to deal with the loss on my own, she was kind and wise. I know that She will pass along the messages to my Mother that I left with her. I was also very lucky to have been shown first hand how to make those wonder little boxes that she crafted from greeting cards. I will pass that to someone else in her memory. I am very saddened to know of her loss but I will rejoice for her as I know how much she wished to join her husband and other family members in Heaven but more than anything, She wanted to meet our Heavenly Father, it must have been an amazing reunion and to finally meet Jesus, I wonder what her first words were. I was lucky enough to hear this poem by Henry Van Dyke when I was at my own Father's Celebration of Life Service. It has stuck with me and I have passed this onto many people over the years since my Father's death. I dedicate this now to my Dear Auntie Anne Johnson with much love, until we meet again in Heaven with our heavenly Father. "Parable of Immortality" I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, " There she goes! " Gone where? Gone from my sight . . . that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, " There she goes! " there are other eyes watching her coming . . . and other voices ready to take up the glad shout . . . " Here she comes! " - Posted by: Christine Thibeault (Niece and huge fan!! ) on: Oct 13, 2014
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It is with sincerity that we send our condolences. Only time will fill the void in your hearts. - Posted by: Claire Turcotte and J-F Theriault (Annie Theriault's parents) on: Oct 12, 2014
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Anne Johnson was a real special gem of a gal! She had a ‘heart of gold’ and you were always aware of her powerful faith because she was able to weave it into almost any conversation. Anne was a very, very smart cookie but she never gave anyone the impression she was so gifted. She held the focus on you & could discuss just about any topic. She was always available to lend a helping hand, to listen patiently and carefully to discuss any issues folks may carry with them. She seemed to channel strength and confidence when you were around her. Anne had a certain way of looking straight at you when you spoke to her and you could see and feel her support that would come when she gave council to you. Besides her quiet strength, her eyes held a glint of fun and she lit up and was interested in pretty well everyone. Anne gave so much of herself in service of others. Anne loved her kids all right but those grand kids were very special to her. She was so proud of all her family. Merl-eee, as she used to call her sweet guy was truly the apple Anne’s eye. It was a pleasure and often very funny to see them interacting. They were both so supportive of each others interests and as the years rolled by even more supportive with the challenges of aging. Their home was always open to all folks and many a wonderful meal, family gathering, Bible study and art classes went on there with Anne always serving up fine cooking and Merl-eee bringing out the sweets. Anne sorely missed Merle but her amazing faith kept her participating beyond what most folks may have done especially with her poor eyesight. She greeted the days fully with courage and determination. It was a gift to know Anne. She was one of the most inspiring women I have known. I know I told her that, I am so glad I did, however, when I did she would just smile and that ‘twinkle’ would come into her beautiful eyes. Peaceful travels for a beautiful soul to the heavens. A life devoted to good. Well lived. BonVoyage Dear Anne. Lovingly sent to share with all who loved Anne. From Sheila Kaminsky - Posted by: Sheila Kaminsky (Art student, admirer & friend) on: Oct 11, 2014
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Dear Madeline and Chris and your families. I am remembering the times that my family and I visited with your family and how your parents made us feel so loved and welcomed. Your loss will be felt by all who new and loved your mother. May God be with you at this time of your loss. May God give you the strength and the peace knowing that she had lived a very strong and faithful life in Christ. with much love Penny - Posted by: Penny Haskayne Siemens (Family friend) on: Oct 11, 2014
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I have many fond memories of my Aunt Anne. I have her paintings in my home and they are a constant reminder of her. She always enjoyed sharing her art with anyone interested. She would speak with my Mother and provided much support to her after my Dad's passing. She will be missed and always remembered. - Posted by: Valerie Kowalchuk (Niece) on: Oct 11, 2014
