Margaret Florence Johnson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Margaret Florence Johnson on January 5, 2021.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children Joyce (aka Fran), Gail (Alan), Kelvin (Lorraine), granddaughters Christine McBride (Andrew), Danielle Hall (Cam), great grandchildren Sam and Grace McBride. She is also survived by her sisters Winnie Jackson, Arlene Moore, Gail Stuart, and their families. She will also be missed by extended family Lorri Brisson (Moe), Rhonda Grochowski (Mike), their families and numerous friends and cousins. She became honorary Mom, Aunt and Grandma to many of our friends and their families.

Margaret was born in Brandon Manitoba on November 13, 1937 to George and Letitia Henson (nee Mckinnon). She grew up in Brandon and Alexander with her older brother, three younger sisters and numerous cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Reginald, husband Albert, daughter Dennise, step-daughters Barbara and Hazel.

In 1958 she met Albert Johnson of Domain. In 1959 they were married. After Bert’s death she stayed on the farm until the 1997 flood, after which she moved into Winnipeg with her daughter and granddaughter.

When she was on the farm there was a large garden which all kids had to help with. Nieces, nephews and children of friends were all excited to come out and spend time at the farm with Aunt Margaret. She liked to knit and bake and play bingo. She would make dainties for home and friends. Containers full of cookies, tarts and dainties were placed around the house and raided by family and friends whenever possible. Some people would try to claim an entire batch of their favourite goodies. She made most of the dainties for Christine and Andy’s wedding.

New Years Day was her special holiday. It was time for friends and family to come over for a full turkey dinner with pastries, cookies and special desserts. After the dishes were cleared away the annual Rummoli game started. Departing guests received a knitted gift and food was sent home for people who were unable to attend. No one was allowed to leave hungry or empty handed.

She was an avid bingo player. If there was a bingo game in the neighbourhood she knew where and when it was. She was a regular Kinsmen Bingo player. Even when she was sick she would sit by the TV to play. That was one prize that always eluded her.

She was a life member of the Women’s Institute, in Domain and in Winnipeg.

She joined 5 pin bowling at Academy Uptown Lanes in the early 80s. When her granddaughter started bowling YBC she helped mark score for the younger children (“her team”). She was a Hi-Low Doubles provincial champion and represented Manitoba at the 1996 C5PBA Nationals in Ottawa. In 1998 she was a rookie member of the Manitoba Master Bowlers Senior Division National team and part of a three generation contingent with her daughter and granddaughter.

In 1991 Margaret became active in the 5-pin bowling organizations. You would see her at most of the tournaments in Winnipeg and at Manitoba provincial events. She was a judge of play, recruited workers for casino bingo nights, and sold 50/50 tickets and reverse bingo at tournaments and events. She would greet people coming into the event and then try to sell them tickets. She was a life member of the W5PBA.

When her great grandson Sam was born, she found great joy in spoiling him rotten. In her eyes he could do no wrong and to him she was the best ever. When Grace came along she found a whole new level of spoiling, now there were 2 kids to dote on, not just one! Every time she saw them she would dig out her change purse and make sure that they both got the same amount. Given the chance, we think she would have funded their entire post-secondary schooling out of her change.

Many thanks to the wonderful staff at CancerCare Manitoba, Victoria Hospital, and Riverview Health Centre. A big thank you to the above and beyond care given to Margaret by the staff of the home care and palliative care programs. Thank you to Dr. R. Manness for taking care of her all these years.

Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in Margaret’s name can be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, the Riverview Health Centre or a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place.

A memorial will take place at a later time when it is safe to do so.