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SUSAN DAVID JOHNSON
Born: Jul 06, 1951
Date of Passing: Jan 31, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
SUSAN DAVID JOHNSON
Susan was a master of efficiency with an impressive capacity to work - and was a true 'doer.' She was fierce, forthright, and extremely loyal to her family and friends. The two words that best describe Susan are passionate and curious. She cultivated many passions throughout her life, from competitive swimming and golf, to community work. Her engaging and curious nature allowed her to take genuine interest in each person's story - finding common ground and building connection with nearly everyone she encountered, young and old alike.
Born in Winnipeg in 1951 to Barbara (Wood) Irish and Fred David, Susan grew up on Churchill Drive and later, on an acreage in Birds Hill. Susan graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1976 with a degree in Home Economics. She then took the leap of moving north to Dauphin, Manitoba to manage the Federated Co-op store's dry goods department. In Dauphin, she made many lifelong friends and was introduced to a gallant cattle rancher from Eddystone, Guy Johnson. Her love of conversation and approach to life and social issues swiftly won his heart.
Guy and Susan were married in 1982. Susan became co-owner and operator of Shoreline Stock Farm, and the city girl officially became a cattle rancher. Her analytical mind and relentless work ethic were instrumental in making the ranch a success. Their children, Meredith and David, were born in 1983 and 1985. In addition to managing a growing ranch, she was also a stay-at-home mom. She grew a bountiful garden, made pickles and jams, baked ice cream pails full of cookies, sewed Halloween costumes, walked daily down Johnson Road to stay in shape, and prepared every meal from scratch - all the while shuttling her kids to endless sports games, piano lessons and 4-H meetings. She took an active role in the Eddystone community, dedicating countless hours to community events and fundraising.
Susan took on other exciting and rewarding opportunities - as campaign manager for her friend Jane Dawson who ran as a Liberal candidate during the 2000 federal election, and later, as President of the Liberal federal constituency. Susan was appointed to the National Farm Products Council board from 2005 to 2008. She enjoyed her time commuting to Ottawa and serving on a high level board.
Throughout her life, she immersed herself in many different activities. Her early passion was swimming, which culminated in swimming competitively on the University of Manitoba swim team. She then moved on to rowing, competing in the Canada Summer Games and at regattas across Manitoba, Ontario, and the United States. After moving to Eddystone, she dedicated herself to curling until she sunk her first putt on the golf course, golfing daily for many summers. She was devoted to yoga and a prolific reader. During her last few years in Winnipeg, she found her final passion in bridge. Her competitive spirit was bright until the end, where she became frustrated after not scoring well enough to earn coveted silver points during her final bridge match a few days before she passed.
Memories of Susan will be cherished and fondly remembered by her husband Guy; daughter Meredith Johnson; son David Johnson (Meghan Greenlay); mother Barbara Irish; sister Lesley Velten-Jameson (Christian Velten-Jameson); brother Jim David (Rita Boulet); stepbrother Richard Irish (Robb Desrochers); her darling grandson Nesta Mhina; sister-in-law Holly Johnson, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her father Fred David; stepfather Bill Irish and parents-in-law, Leonard and Ethel Johnson.
After her final visit with her Aunt Helen years ago, Susan couldn't remember if she'd told her that she loved her. She made a pledge to herself from then on to end every conversation by saying "…and remember, I love you."
Susan David Johnson, July 6, 1951 - January 31, 2020. Please join us in celebrating her life at the Westlake Community Centre in Eddystone, MB on Saturday, February 22, at 2:00 p.m.
We are grateful to family and friends who supported Susan during her illness. She felt very loved. The family is most grateful to the staff at CancerCare who took such great care of Susan during the three years she lived with her diagnosis, and cried along with us at her passing.
In Susan's honour, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room 0N1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, 204-787-4143.
Sneath-Strilchuk -Ste. Rose Chapel
204-447-2444
www.sneathstrilchuk.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2020
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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My deepest and sincere condolences to my wonderful cousin Guy and his children Meredith and David and Meghan. To all of Susan's family and of course Guy's as well. I surely wished I would've had time to get to know Susan, she really sounded like my kind of person. I am so happy you all have such wonderful and beautiful memories of Susan to hold in your hearts forever. She may be gone but she'll always be remembered and loved, she will never to be forgotten. Till we're all together again. ❤️ God Bless. ❤️ - Posted by: Dana Marino (Guy's cousin.) on: Feb 23, 2020
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I came to know Susan, Guy, Meredith and David through Susan's brother Jim. I was so nervous the first time that Jim and I drove to Eddystone to meet the family. I needn't have been. It took about 3 minutes until I was laughing with them and feeling right at home at the farm. Both Susan and Guy were exceptional at making people feel like they were part of the family. I knew that I would like Susan as soon as I saw the brilliant green colour that she chose for her kitchen walls. That colour was sortof like her personality - bright, strong and not-to-be-missed. She and I shared a birthday - July 6th and we both had an appreciation for the environment. I remember that she invited me along on one of her daily, brisk walks in the country, and I barely kept up! I will always appreciate Susan's welcoming nature. Her incredible work ethic, commitment to her community, devotion to family and great sense of humour. Heartfelt condolences to Jim, Leslie, Barbara and the Johnson family. I am so sorry that you will not have Susan in your lives any longer, but I know that she will live and be loved forever in your hearts. Love, Lori - Posted by: Lori Wheeler (Former Sister-In-Law) on: Feb 20, 2020
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I only met Susan once or twice but it’s very clear she was a real trooper. This lovely write up reveals a person who embraced life and gave it her all. Family were clearly a focal point to her. She will leave an obvious void for those who knew her. I had no idea she was a home economics graduate and an avid swimmer. May her family cherish many wonderful memories of good times they spent with her. - Posted by: Harriet Berkal (Friend of David and Meaghan ) on: Feb 19, 2020
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I have known Susan for (at least) 25 years, through her brother, Jim. We didn't live in the same city, so I would only get to catch up with her on family get-togethers in Victoria but the moments we did share were special. Susan was so thoughtful and caring and funny, and she was always genuinely interested in how you were. Her energy was palpable and her smile lit up a room. Wherever Susan is now, you can be sure that that place is the best place to be, as she has made it so. On behalf of Sandy, Jamie and I, our sincerest condolences to Guy, David (Meghan) and Meredith. We will be thinking of you all on February 22nd. xx - Posted by: Cathy Beaman (Friend) on: Feb 18, 2020
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Our deepest sympathies to David and Meghan, Guy and Meredith. ❤️🌹❤️Robin, Justin, Belinda and Jolene. - Posted by: Robin Grabowski (Friend) on: Feb 18, 2020
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What a beautiful tribute to Susan! I learned so much about her . She was even more special than I knew. What a terrible loss. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Nancy and Ron Perozzo (Friends) on: Feb 17, 2020
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Guy, David and Meredith...so sorry for your loss. Sue had a sparkle that could light up a room. Sending you big hugs! - Posted by: Linda Lundstrom (Cousin) on: Feb 15, 2020
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Susan and I became friends in Home Ec, graduating the same year. Although I haven’t seen her in many years, I am sorry that her life was cut short. She was always such a happy positive person that she was a joy to be around. We had an initial connection in that our parents were friends, but we went from there to enjoying each other’s company. I send my sincere condolences to her family. - Posted by: Meredith McArthur (Friend) on: Feb 15, 2020
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Susan, what a Trooper! I always enjoyed her enthusiasm! I think what I remember most is her keen interest in everything. She seemed to be genuinely interested in what and how everyone was doing, a beautiful trait to have. 🌸“Wrapping you all in love at a time when words fall short”. - Posted by: Chrissie Lundstrom Beaulieu (Cousin to Guy) on: Feb 15, 2020
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Guy and family, our condolences on Susan’s passing. Merle & Debbie - Posted by: Merle & Debbie Anderson (Friends ) on: Feb 15, 2020
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Susan and I became dear friends as soon as she became part of our family. I will cherish every minute we shared together From cross country skiing at Kathy’s, walks, talks and especially these last three years here in Winnipeg. She coached me in gardening, loved her pop in walks, and how we shared her final journey here. We were both so glad “we live so close to one another “so we could take in the little day to day moments that now are all very special ! I love you Susan and thank you for all I have learned from you. Your loving and enthusiastic legacy will be with all of us forever !❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ my loving support to dear cousin Guy and MEREDITH, Nesta, David , Meagan, sister Lesley, mother Barbara, ,Gabrielle and all their families, aunts, uncles, Cousins and all the relatives. - Posted by: Sonja Lundström (Cousin -in- law) on: Feb 15, 2020
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