Obituary of Gladys Johnson

JOHNSON ~ Gladys Victoria Johnson passed away at the Lloydminster Hospital on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the age of 88 years. Gladys leaves to mourn: Three children: Carolyn (Marc) Contant of Edmonton, Ab., Linda (Alan) Eggen of McLaughlin, Ab., Wayne (Carol) Johnson of Lloydminster, Ab. Seven grandchildren: Heidi (Jay) Burzinski of Lone Rock, Sk., Even (Kyla) Eggen of McLaughlin, Ab., Kurt (Deanne) Eggen of McLaughlin, Ab., Amy Burke & Phil Marshall of Edmonton, Ab., Adam Burke of Calgary, Ab., Trevor Johnson of Lloydminster, Ab., Ashley (Corey) L'Heureux of Lloydminster, Sk.; Three great grandchildren; Griffin Marshall, Jacob Burzinski and Matthew Eggen. The Memorial service was conducted from the First Lutheran Church, Lloydminster, Ab. Tuesday April 23,2013 with Pastor John Haycock officiating, organist, Brenda Findlay and soloist, Marlene Risling. The Honorary Pallbearers were her grandchildren. Interment will be held at a later date at the Zion Cemetery. The eulogy was given by Even Eggen. Eulogy: Hello everyone, my name is Even Eggen and I am Gladys' oldest grandson. Being the organized person Grandma was she had prepared her eulogy a few years before her passing. She requested that it be brief and not too flowery, as she didn't want people to wonder who's funeral they were attending. Gladys Victoria Johnson was born an only child on March 15, 1925 in the Lloydminster Hospital to Anna and Fred Johnson of the New Lindsay district. She attended school at Sefton Park until grade nine, riding horse back almost four miles a day from grade two on. From there she took grades ten and eleven in Paradise Valley, where she boarded across the street from the school. In 1944 she received her secretarial course at Hazel Miller's Business College in Lloydminster and later went on to work as a receptionist-clerk at the Lloydminster Co-op Creamery, Egg Department. She then moved to the Ladies Wear Dept. as clerk, working her way to manager of that section of the store. She enjoyed this promotion immensely until falling victim to inflammatory rheumatism. After a four month recovery, she was then hired as a stenographer at the Jim Murray Accounting Office. On March 30,1949 she married Helmer Johnson, a WWII Veteran from Unwin, Sk. Together the two of them began to farm and raise a family on her father's original homestead. It should be noted that with the exception of a few years she worked in Lloydminster as a young woman and a few years at the end, Grandma spent her entire life on that homestead. Grandma was an active member in the Zion Lutheran Church where she played piano for services until 2004. Her community involvement includes: membership in the McLaughlin and McLaughlin Seniors Clubs, New Lindsay Telephone bookkeeper, Paradise Valley Golf Club Sec-Treasurer, she worked on the West of 4th history book, volunteered at the Climb Thru Time Museum in Paradise Valley and was instrumental in the origin of the Sefton Park Live Wires Ladies Club in 1953. She also enjoyed curling, bowling and a little golfing. Her pastime activities included: knitting, crocheting, embroidery, especially the Scandinavian Hardanger embroidery as well as other crafts. She also enjoyed typing and in later years the computer. She liked playing the piano and accordion and taught beginners music for nine years. As a youth she loved horseback riding and wanted to but never learned to ride a bike. Grandma's greatest pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed farm life, flowers and listening to the birds, as well as humor and visiting with friends. Her favorite place was her home. The Church, her faith and Bible studies were a great comfort to her throughout her life. She was predeceased by her father in May 1946, her mother in September 1988 and her husband in November 1993. Grandma had several poems chosen that could be read today, we found this one to be the most fitting. MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO Author Unknown When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me, I want no tears in the gloom-filled room, Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little - But not for long And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me - But let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, And each must go alone, It's all a part of the Master's plan A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart Go to your friends that we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good works, Miss me - But let me go. Card of Thanks: Our family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre for over three years of caring for mom. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff at the Lloydminster Hospital for mom's care during her final days. A special thank you to Dr. Chan, Dr. Reddy & Dr. Abdulla. We would also like to give special thanks to Joel and Dave McCaw and the funeral home staff for their support and care during our time of mourning. Sincere thanks to Pastor John Haycock, Arnie Pittao, Brenda Findlay, Marlene Risling, Even Eggen and many thanks to the ladies of First and Zion Lutheran Churches for providing lunch. We thank everyone who brought food, made phone calls, visited our homes, sent flowers, cards or made donations. In lieu of thank you cards the family is making a donation to the Dr. Cooke Patient Care Fund. Carolyn/Marc Contant & family Linda/Alan Eggen & family Wayne/Carol Johnson & family