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.
6 Responses
I am so sorry to see this announcement in the newspaper. She was such a wonderful person. She helped my family a lot during my mom’s illness. I often think of when I used to babysit you two in the mornings when I would be at your house to get you up,make peanut butter and honey ? or peanut butter and jam toast for breakfast and get you to school, also sometimes after school when I would start cooking potatoes for your supper before your dad got home from work. One more thing I remember is babysitting on Saturday nights when your mom and dad would go out.The last time I saw Elsie and Shelley was about maybe 5 years ago at Tim’s on Cumberland and 8th. street.Once again sorry for your loss. Lil Grenier ((Lillian Potts)
My condolences to Shelley and Family at this time of death of your beautiful Mom. I hold wonderful memories of her kindness and compassion. She lived her life well.
Susan Carney
To Ross and family and to Holly (Niece) Lindberg and family I want to offer my sincerest condolences for the loss of your Mom and Grandmother. She has a special place in the hearts of so many former cancer clinic patients who received her care.
Brian Bentley
I had the privilege of curling with Elsie. When we are debating a shot we often say “what would Elsie do?” A very lovely lady.
Oh my, the news of Elsie’s passing zapped us good. Elsie has been our cherished and respected friend since our meeting at Luther Tower where we led and shared chair yoga classes for years. Elsie wasn’t just kind, classy and caring, she radiated those traits in a way that touched others in sincerity and purpose. With every visit and phone call her spirit of integrity in true friendship shone through. To each family member who is feeling loss, we pause with you to recall the magnificence that this Lady exemplified in every moment with each of us. Elsie was and is a keeper, a keener and spirit never, ever forgotten.
Just learned of Elsie’s passing! She was a remarkable, compassionate, genuine lady! I remember her and Ruth vey well. I sang in St.Matthew’s church choir with both of them. She always reminded me she babysat me. I had lunch with her and Mavis G a couple of years ago. So sorry Shelley, Ross and families for your loss. May all your memories keep her close