Jean Paxton Johnson

It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Johnson on October 12, 2020 at the age of 92 years. Jean passed away peacefully at the Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre in Claresholm, Alberta.

Jean was born in Granum, Alberta on June 19, 1928 to Robert and Gertrude Lawrie and younger sister to Margaret. When Jean and Margaret reached school age, the family moved to a farm near Calgary, now known as the Bowness area of the city. Upon graduation, Jean attended Business School in Calgary where she met Barbara Johnson from Stavely. It was Barbara who introduced Jean to her brother, Lenard, who soon became the love of Jean’s life. Lenard and Jean married and were loving, faithful partners until Len’s passing in 1999. Together, they raised three children: Lawrie, Steven and Roy.

Jean and Len made several moves during their marriage, from Lethbridge to Calgary and eventually returning to Stavely to take over the family farm in 1970. Stavely was truly their home and it was here where they formed many close, lifelong friendships and were active in the Stavely community. Jean was a member of Stavely’s United Church Women and the Golden Age Centre.

Following Len’s passing, Jean remained on the farm for many years until she moved into the Porcupine Hills Lodge. Jean truly enjoyed her home at the Lodge with friends, new and old. She felt so fortunate for the care she received here. Jean remained at the Lodge up until a few months ago. Jean faced health challenges over the past few years courageously, without a complaint and portrayed a positive attitude to her final days.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Lawrie Matheson, sons Steven (Peggy) Johnson and Roy (Lisa) Johnson; eight grandchildren: Blake Matheson and Jay (Kim) Matheson, Jackie (Jake) Gour, Trina Burgess and Robert Johnson; Jeremy (Hannah) Johnson, Jolayne (Luke) Opitz and Karli (Greg) Martin. Jean is also survived by 16 great grandchildren, her sister Margaret (Jim) McKendrick and numerous nieces and nephews. Jean was predeceased by her partner in life, Big Lenny, son-in-law Jack Matheson, her young sister Ivy and her parents, Robert and Gertrude Lawrie.

There really are no words to describe how truly special our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Jean was to us. She was the rock to our family and a light that no one ever wanted to see leave. She had a way of always seeing the positive aspects to everyone and everything. Her love for life was infectious and the love for her family was unlike any other. She taught us many valuable life lessons that we will carry forward forever.

A private family graveside service will be held. If desired, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Porcupine Hills Lodge, P.O. Box 790, Claresholm, Alberta T0L 0T0 or to the Claresholm and District Health Foundation, P.O. Box 2638, Claresholm, Alberta T0L 0T0.

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