LAURA ISABEL JOHNSON (PAYEA)

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LAURA ISABEL JOHNSON (nee PAYEA) In her own time and on her own terms, in her 102nd year, Mom left us and is together again with Dad. She passed away on Saturday morning, June 2, 2018 at the Victoria General Hospital. She will be lovingly remembered by her son Bruce (Grace), daughter Maureen (Jim), daughter-in-law Vivian, grandchildren, Chris, Jo (Shelly), Katie (Jerald), Thomas (Jenn), and great-grandchildren, Morgan, Hayley, Joshua, Alexander, Isabel and Emily. Each grandchild and great-grandchild brought her great joy and was welcomed as if they were the first. The last of her generation, Mom was predeceased by her parents, Laurence and Isabelle (nee Ryan), brother Leo, and sisters, Gertrude, Frances, Marjorie and Muriel. She never stopped missing her loving husband, Sigmar, who predeceased her in January of 2008, after 60 years of marriage. Mom was born at home on Hargrave Street and raised in Winnipeg. She grew up in what is now the downtown, and told stories of playing on the grounds of the Legislative Building, playing in the woods on the banks of the Assiniboine River, and watching the building of the Hudson Bay building. She raised her family in the North End, and always considered herself to be a proud North-Ender. Coming full circle, she lived 24 years at Fort Garry Place, at the corner of Fort and Assiniboine, close to where she played as a child. Mom was known for her intuitive nature, keen wit, and sense of humour. When asked what she did for a living, she answered that she was a Domestic Engineer. Mom's family and her home were her life, and her love for all of us was unconditional. Dad and Mom's special place was their trailer at Dorothy Lake and we have many happy memories of our times there. She was heartbroken when she had to give up Dorothy Lake, but grew to love her time at Valhalla Beach. Mom loved all sports and followed the Bombers, the Jets, the Blue Jays and the Goldeyes. Watching curling was a passion and as "armchair skip", she became upset when she called the shot and the skip on TV didn't follow her advice! Stubborn and wanting to maintain her independence after a partial hip replacement at age 95, she was able to stay in her apartment until age 99, thanks to the support of Home Care. In April, 2016 she made a new home at Thorvaldson Care Centre. She continued to have good health, a sound mind and a quality life for two years until her recent hospitalization. We are grateful to the staff and caregivers at Thorvaldson's for providing a safe and nurturing home for Mom. To 5 North - Victoria General Hospital - small hospital, big heart, clear vision - thank you for being who you are. A special thanks goes to Dr. R. Asskar, her family doctor, and his caring staff for all they have done for Mom over the years. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave. across from Brookside Cemetery. There will be a private family interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Firefighter's Burn Fund, 303-83 Garry St., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4J9. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2018