Margaret Ellen Johnson

Margaret (Marge) Ellen Johnson nee Richlin was born on September 17, 1939 in Louisville, Kentucky. After a full and eventful life, she passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at the age of 83, surrounded by photos and her beloved artwork.

Marge will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her daughter Laura Johnson, son-in-law Daniel, grandson Emmitt, and second daughters Mika and Joyce. She will also be often remembered and missed by her many long term friends and extended family, who greatly admired her and often joined her in her many adventures throughout her life. Marge was predeceased by her husband Richard, loving son Eric, sister Wilma, and her parents Richie and Reba.

Marge was a well known social justice activist, who always stood up for the rights of others. Marge stood by her convictions and joined in on many non-violent, peaceful marches and demonstrations to advocate for increased awareness of issues related to social justice, environmental sustainability, women's rights and against wars. She was a member of the BC Raging Grannies and sung out songs to demonstrate the need for peace and acceptance of all.

She was well read and often shared her favourite books and sayings to help others learn and grow in their understanding and acceptance of others. She was a mentor to many UBC students, during their studies in Medicine and Mental Health and was a recipient, along with her son Eric, of an award for their outstanding mentorship of the students.

Marge was a resident of the Louis Brier Care facility, for the last few years, where she received support to live with a serious fall that caused her to have a spinal cord and brain injury. During this time, Marge was nominated for the Courage to Come Back award, as even though she was told that she would likely never walk again, she showed them wrong and after much hard work was able to walk down the hall with the biggest smile. Throughout this time, Marge never lost her sense of humor and continued her dedication to her many beliefs and desire to help others. She was was a valued member on the facility’s Ethics Committee and was held up as an example by the Rabbi.

The nomination, written by friends and supported by family and professionals, was a testimony to her supreme effort to be an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. In recent months her health declined and she was once again needing the support of a wheelchair.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Louis Brier for their care and compassion during this period of her life, Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) for their ongoing support of both Marge and Eric for the last several years and to her many friends who visited her and brought her milkshakes and fruit, as well as the friends and family who joined in on her ZOOM gatherings to stay connected and involved.

Marge will live in our hearts and minds for many years to come and everyday her words of wisdom and encouragement will guide us through our days ahead.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating you a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.