Elsie Johnson
February 12, 1927 – March 14, 2026
Elsie Johnson, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 99 with family at her side. She lived a long and meaningful life defined by compassion, dedication to others, and a deep love for her family.
For 42 years, Elsie Johnson served her community as a nurse. She was proud of her nursing career. She was known for the care and kindness she showed to every patient she met. Nursing was more than a profession to her—it was a calling. Her gentle manner and genuine concern for others brought comfort to countless people over the decades. She began her career in Port Alberni, B.C., then on to Saskatoon City Hospital. Most of her career was spent at RUH, where she was one of the first nurses when the hospital opened.
In 1990 when Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip came to Saskatoon to open the new expansion to the University Hospital, Mum was thrilled to meet the Queen. Mum’s last 10 years before retirement were spent at the Cancer Centre as a chemotherapy nurse. After retirement she joined the Nightingale Nursing Group where she worked in northern communities for 10 years. Mum was an active volunteer for most of her life, including Sutherland Home and School, Red Cross, and the Kelowna Cancer Centre & Lodge and hospital auxiliary.
Outside of her work, Elsie lived an active and joyful life. Mum and Dad enjoyed many camping trips with friends after retiring in Kelowna. She enjoyed many years on the golf course and at the curling rink, where she built lasting friendships and shared many happy moments. Mum was a speed skater until age 68, curled until age 87, and was still golfing at age 90. Whether playing a round of golf, curling with friends, or spending time with family she embraced life with spunk and enthusiasm.
Above all, Elsie was a devoted mother and the heart of her family. Elsie is predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Vic Johnson, as well as siblings Harold Shepherd, Vera O’Brien, Jack Shepherd, Ruth Rayner. She will be lovingly remembered by her son Ross (Kim), daughter Shelley Walker (Russ) and grandchildren Troy Caverly, Holly Lindberg, Jaclyn Orosz, Cole Johnson, Matt Johnson, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Elsie’s life was a testament to caring for others, both in her profession and within her family. Today and always, we will honour not only the life she lived but the love she left behind in all of us.
Mum lived at Luther Tower for 19 years where she made good friends and was deeply involved with the varied activities within the Tower community. The Tower was home.
The family takes comfort in knowing that her legacy of compassion and generosity will live on in all who knew and loved her. In Mum’s words “life has been good to me”.
A sincere thank you to the staff at the Hospice at Glengarda and Luther Special Care Home, where she was cared for with compassion and respect.
A family interment will be held at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
