WINNIE VILBORG JOHNSON

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WINNIE VILBORG JOHNSON

January 9, 1929 – May 21, 2025

Winnie Vilborg Johnson (née Olason) was born on January 9, 1929, in Caliento, Manitoba, to William and Christine Olason. She grew up in the small town of Piney, in Manitoba’s southwest corner. Her parents were originally from North Dakota, and her grandparents had emigrated from Iceland—heritage she carried with pride throughout her life.

A lifelong learner and determined spirit, Winnie pursued education as far as she possibly could. She completed Grade 10 in Piney, followed her sister Margaret to Oak Point to finish Grade 11, and graduated from Success Commercial College in Winnipeg with honours. Winnie’s life changed profoundly when she planted roots in Oak Point. There, she met and married her beloved husband, Lorne Johnson, on September 10, 1948.

At the age of 50, in true Winnie fashion, she completed a four-year Manitoba Municipal Employees course through the University of Manitoba. Winnie began her career as a secretary before dedicating herself to public service. In 1968, she accepted a position with the Municipal Office in St. Laurent. A decade later, she was appointed Secretary-Treasurer, a role she held for 13 years while also earning her diploma from the University of Manitoba. In 1981, she continued her public service in the RM of Coldwell as Secretary, where she remained until her retirement in 1992.

Winnie was predeceased by her husband Lorne, her son Lorne Neil, sons-in-law Brian Chartrand and Garry Diell, and grandson Tyler Chartrand. She is survived by her children: Diane, Kerry (Laura), Lorraine (Doug), daughter-in-law Frances, brother David Olason and sister-in-law Aenone (Reg) Studler. She leaves behind her deeply cherished legacy, grandchildren Dennis, Pam, Lisa, Brandi, Jenni, Crystal, Leon, Adam, Mike, Mathew, Tom and Erik and 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

In every role—whether professional, personal, or in the community—Winnie led with heart, resilience, and quiet strength. She was a woman of many talents. From gardening and canning to baking her bread often topped with her legendary raspberry jam, she nourished those around her with both food and love. Her knitting was a gift of both warmth and tradition, especially her handmade Icelandic sweaters, mittens, and socks.

Regardless of the season or time of day, her door was always open, her coffee always on. No matter how busy life became, Winnie met it with a smile. She had an unshakable belief in health, family, and joy. She and Lorne were known for their speed and spirit—winning their respective races back in the 1950’s at Oak Point’s July 1st picnic, three years in a row.

Even in retirement, Winnie’s purpose was to serve. She volunteered with the St. Laurent Seniors Resource Program, offered accounting support, and drove countless friends and neighbours to appointments. She also lent her time to the Canada 55+ Senior’s Summer Games and was a proud member of the Oak Point Ladies Club.

She curled. She bowled. She made traditional Icelandic dishes such as vinarterta, ponnukokur, skyr and rullupylsa. She took Icelandic and French lessons. She traveled—to Iceland twice, to Churchill, along Canada’s East Coast, down to Arizona, and even sailed on an Alaskan cruise.

Winnie embraced life fully—and perhaps, more importantly, joyfully. She taught her children to play rounders, bounced on trampolines with her grandchildren, and did countless puzzles. Music was part of her essence—she played piano, accordion, guitar, and organ, and she always sang with heart.

One of her favourite sayings was, “Let go and let God.” And now, after giving of herself to so many, for so long, it’s your turn to rest, Mom. Let go—knowing that everything you’ve done, all the ways you showed up for each of us, will never be forgotten.

Yours was a beautifully lived life. We will carry your spirit with us—forever.

The family thanks the staff at Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home (PCH) for their genuine care and compassion in the last year as well as Winnie’s companions Heaven, Elvera and Jodi for their excellent care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Oak Point Community Hall on Saturday, June 14th at 2:00 p.m.

If you wish to make a donation in Winnie’s memory, please consider Rosewood Lodge PCH, 513-1st Ave N Stonewall MB R0C 2Z0 or the Alzheimer Society Manitoba at alzheimer.mb.ca

MacKenzie Funeral Home

204-467-2525

mackenziefh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 07, 2025