Beth Johnson

Beth Johnson (née McKenzie) passed away peacefully, with all four of her daughters at her side, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to family, education, and community. She was raised on a small farm near Delisle, Saskatchewan, where resilience and hard work shaped her early years. With her father’s lifelong struggle with asthma limiting his ability to perform manual labour, Beth, alongside her mother and brother Ken, took on much of the responsibility of running the farm. With few nearby playmates, Beth and her brother formed a close bond, sharing in work, play, and the occasional sibling rivalry. Beth and Ken remained very close throughout their lives.

Beth completed her Grade 12 education in Delisle before attending Teacher’s College in Saskatoon. She began her career teaching in a one-room country school and later obtained her Permanent Teaching Certificate from the University of Saskatchewan. It was during her time at university that she met her beloved husband, Dennis Johnson. The couple married and spent sixteen months in London, England where Beth worked in a book and stationery shop. They continued the adventure by traveling Europe on a motorcycle. Upon returning to Canada, they lived briefly in Toronto, where Karen was born, before settling in Saskatoon in 1962. There, they built a home and welcomed Angie, Sandi, and Heather.

Beth devoted 22 years as a full-time mother, a role she embraced with honesty about its challenges and rewards. In 1975, she and Dennis were introduced to Adlerian psychology through a parent study group, an experience that profoundly influenced her life. Inspired by its principles, Beth became an active leader and educator, facilitating parenting groups and weekly drop-in sessions for over a decade. She was a founding member of the Saskatoon Adlerian Society, serving in numerous roles, including newsletter editor, and contributing significantly to the development of widely used parenting resources.

Her commitment to service extended beyond education. Beth served for eighteen years on the Oliver Lodge Board, including five as chair, and contributed to the Special Care Home Council. She believed deeply in collaboration and the power of shared ideas.

Beth and Dennis were devoted members of McClure United Church, where they helped build a strong and supportive community. In later years, they enjoyed travel and cherished time at their family cottage.

Beth is lovingly remembered by her husband Dennis, their four daughters, Karen (Peter) Mallory, Angie (Jim) Bugg, Sandi (Bryan) Hamp and Heather (Lindsay Alcock) Johnson, six grandchildren, Emma Bugg, Anna (Katie) Corbett, Elyse (Harshivam Bawa) Hamp, Meghan Hamp, Thomas Hamp, Benjamin (Kate) Mallory and two great-grandsons, Louis and Lennon. She took great joy in her growing family and remained deeply grateful for the life she lived.

Her legacy of compassion, curiosity, and community will be remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, Beth would appreciate donations to McClure United Church or the Beth and Dennis Johnson Bursary at the University of Saskatchewan.

You may visit McClure United Church website at https://mcclureunitedchurch.org/

The University of Saskatchewan bursary can be completed online at https://donate.usask.ca/online/advancement.php?fund_code=300338JOHNSONBD.

The service will be livestreamed, you may access the livestream with this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/4Dp_6eR1VzI