ANNIE IRENE JOHNSON

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ANNIE IRENE JOHNSON On Sunday, June 11, 2017 Annie Irene Johnson, late of Warren, Manitoba, passed away at the Kildonan Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Irene is survived by her children, Lori Johnson (Audrhea), Leigh Brown and Ian Johnson, by her cherished grandchildren, Jillian Voth Roberge (Andrei), Daniel Voth (Cliff), Joel Voth, their father Albert Voth (Brigitta), Zak Johnson (Page), Max Johnson, their mother Denise Frederickson (Michael), as well as her dear great-granddaughter, Lauren Eva Roberge. She is also survived by one brother, Ken Wedge (Rose). Irene was predeceased by her parents, Lily and Harve Wedge of East Rosser, and in 1962 by her husband Paul Edward Johnson. She was also predeceased by three sisters, Beatrice Plishka, Wilma Shelaga, and Patricia Wedge, as well as one infant brother Thomas. Irene will be remembered by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins from the Wedge, Thomas, Hallett and Brown families. Irene was born in Winnipeg in October, 1929. She lived most of her life in East Rosser and Warren. Later in life she resided at Lion's Manor and Kildonan Personal Care Home in Winnipeg. When her husband Paul died in a workplace accident, leaving her with three small children and the farm, Irene returned to work as a business woman at a time when that was unusual for women in society. Irene was supported in raising her children by her parents, sisters and mother-in-law, Elsie Johnson. Irene worked as a bookkeeper for several businesses around Winnipeg and then as Secretary Treasurer of the Rural Municipality of Woodlands for many years. When she retired from that position she opened her own business in Warren - the Johnson Langrell Insurance Agency. She worked there until the age of 79, finally retiring in 2010. Throughout her working years, Irene also devoted much of her time to volunteer work in many community organizations, for which she was recognized by the Lions Club of Warren in 2012. Irene was proud of her Métis heritage, passing on the stories of her ancestors to her children and grandchildren. She assisted her cousin, Heather Hallett in collecting detailed information for the genealogy of the Hallett family. She also loved to watch her grandsons play baseball, and was thrilled to travel to British Columbia to see Zak win gold at the North American Indigenous Games. Irene, by her strong will and healthy constitution, survived a number of illnesses and surgeries in her later years. The last years of her life were profoundly affected by the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease. Irene's family extends deep appreciation to nurse and faithful friend Jean Chennell, who was a constant companion and support to Irene in her last few years. We are also grateful for the support of Dr. Mike Dillon, Lisa Goss, and the caring staff at Kildonan Personal Care Home. Cremation has taken place. A private ceremony for interment will take place in Warren Cemetery in August. Should friends wish, Irene's children ask that donations in her memory be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Forever missed and fondly remembered. Rest in peace Mom.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 24, 2017