MARY AGNES JOHNSON

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MARY (MAE) AGNES JOHNSON (nee WAITE) May 15, 1933 - September 12, 2016 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary (Mae) Agnes Johnson on September 12, 2016 at Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg. Mae was predeceased by her parents, Jean and George Waite, and brothers, George and Lorne Waite. She is survived by husband Gord Johnson; children, Garth (Maria), Lori (John), Glen (Karen Ann), and Gary; grandchildren, Carly and Kelsey Johnson; Sarah Brighty (Eric) and Andrea Johnson; Erik and Kyle Johnson; and great-grandchildren Reilly and Kamila; along with many nieces and nephews. Mae was born in Winnipeg and grew up in the North End where she attended St. John's High School. She met her husband Gord while roller skating at the Winnipeg Roller Rink. They settled in the community of Morse Place to raise their family where they lived for over 40 years making many lifelong friends. Mae and Gord recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Mae was a member of the Winnipeg Speed Skating Club for many years and a Canadian speed skating champion numerous times. She was a trailblazer for women in the sport before they were allowed to compete at the Olympic Games. Mae and her granddaughter Andrea each won the prestigious Harold Elliot Award for speed skating in 1948 and 2005 respectively. Mom was also an excellent softball player. Mom and Dad would often hitch a ride and jump off the Moonlight Express Train to Winnipeg Beach - unknown to the Engineer who was Mae's father, George! Mae loved the family cottage in Sandy Hook, spending countless summers there surrounded by family and friends beginning in her early teens. She loved riding her bike about the neighborhood, dropping in on friends, spending time on the beach at 5th Avenue, telling stories around a bonfire, and working in her garden. Mae was an active member of the United Church for a large portion of her life. She sang in the Choir for many years and was an elder at Morse Place United and Immanuel United churches. She quite enjoyed family gatherings, hosting her regular Sunday "mildly overdone" roast beef dinners full of laughter and banter. Mae also kept a daily journal and was the family historian. If anyone had a question about birthdays, anniversaries, or who was related to someone, Mom knew the answer. Mae was a generous person and knitted hundreds of pieces of clothing for the Christmas Cheer Board for over 40 years. This gave her great joy. Mae was incredibly supportive in the pursuits of her children and grandchildren. Through the early years of raising the kids - a very sports minded group - Mom always put their needs first. Mae was a typical hockey Mom and an active volunteer for all four of her children's sporting and music activities. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at St. Boniface Heart Clinic and Concordia Hospital (Unit N2) for all their care and support in the late stages of Mom's life. A special thank you to Dr. Masumi Dandekar who went above and beyond. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation or Concordia Hospital Foundation. An Open House celebration of Mae's life will take place October 2 between 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 260 Balderstone Road, West St. Paul. See you there! A private family interment will take place at Chapel Lawn.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2016