Ethel passed March 25, 2014 at the age of 78. Ethel was born in Pelly, Saskatchewan to John and Mary who owned a farm nearby. Along with her three brothers, Lloyd (deceased), Michael (Mary-Anne), David (Kathy) and her sister, Terry (Rick), Ethel enjoyed the rural prairie life. Soon after leaving school, she followed her brother, Lloyd’s footsteps and joined the military. Eventually, Ethel was stationed in 2 Wing France, where she met and married Carl F. Johnson. Carl was also in the Air Force and worked in the same hospital as Ethel. With their two children, Dennis and Karen, they lived in Germany and several places in Canada before settling down in Victoria in 1986. Ethel and Carl were happily married for more than 51 years. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, wife and sister, as well as a selfless, charitable person who always put others first. She enjoyed music, reading and her crosswords. She brought so much cheer to all occasions and holidays, especially Christmas, her favorite time of all. It is with such deep sorrow that we announce her passing after a brief, but incredibly brave battle with cancer. Thank you Pippa (Mom’s “other beautiful daughter”), for the comfort and friendship you gave Ethel through the years and at the end. Ethel also leaves to mourn many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews too numerous to name. MOM, you will always remain with us, in the people we have become, in our thoughts, in our laughter, in our tears and in our hearts. Thank you for a lifetime of amazing memories. We could not have been two more fortunate people. We knew we were loved and we couldn’t have loved you more. We would like to give a very special thank you to the incredible team in the ICU at the Victoria General Hospital.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Walter Hader MD
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Keith & Dianna McIntosh Carl, so sorry to hear of Ethel’s passing. I regret not being in touch more since I retired. I always think of both of you when driving down Helmken Road. Lets have coffee soon.
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Kirsten Trempenau-Mori It is with shock and sorrow that I mourn the friend of more than 40 years.
She was the sunshine of so many people, but like a falling star she will burn forever in the sky.Kirsten
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terri myron It is with a heavy heart, I note & mark the passing of my wonderful sister, Ethel, my angel, my friend, Ethel you will always be in my, our thoughts & in our hearts, we will miss you, will always love you, cherish all the memories, they were the greatest of all, I will never say good bye.
your sister Terri
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Mike Broda I always picture Ethel with a twinkle in her eye. It was at an early age Ethel arrived in my life and made an impression that would last forever. Whether by post, phone or visit, Ethel would close the distance between us and we would soon be one again with our home filled with peace and joy. She knew how to make others feel they belonged in her life. Family members who saw her blossom and develop her gifts were immensely proud to be a part of her family (high school beauty pageant winner). She possessed an uncommon wisdom, humility and gentleness of spirit. You could seek out her counsel on anything big or small and always count on her being in your corner. Ethel touched the lives of others in ways to make it a life changing experience. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to visit with my sister a short while ago and am reminded how precarious life can be. I’m happy Ethel shared in the journey of my life and I will always remember her warm smile, unconditional acceptance and absolute love of her family.
Ethel, like the words of the song you once played on your guitar … You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, You make me happy when skies are blue, you’ll never know dear how much we love you, … sail on with the 27 strong angels that surround you and give your gift of sunshine to everyone you meet.
Your brother Mike
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Kathy Feth Extending my most sincere condolences to Karen, Dennis, and all of the family. May Ethel rest in peace.
Love,
Kathy
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Pippa Maloney My Dearest Ethelita,
Even tho this is a very painful time I am comforted in all the wonderful years I did have with you.When we first met many years ago you were so warm and lovingly welcomed me into the family.You always called me your “other daughter” and I did and will always think of you as “my other mother”.So many great memories-our trips to Vancouver,gardening and cooking with you,your fabulous food THE BEST TURKEY dinners ever,You Karen and I going on our mystery car trips they always ended in getting lost and you laughed and were so happy!I was honoured to be with you on your final journey.Love always
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David Broda at Kelowna - brother It was near magical when as young boys tobaggoning on our frosty Pelly Saskatchewan farm we were called into the house to open a parcel send by Ethel. The parcel contained two novels one was a Thomas Hardy novel. On a subsequent occasion a ping pong set and a badminton set arrived. Ethel could not possibly know the extent our satisfaction and fun. More than half a century later I reminisce playing badminton against my good brother MIchael in the open ended hayloft of our barn.
Then there was the time Ethel brought our mom shear, chiffon drapes for the living room . Mom was delighted with the new decor and the warmth they provided. The drapes later followed us to our new home in Yorkton Saskatchewan . Thank you Ethel !!!!!! 🙂
My sincere condolences to Karen and Dennis and Family. Many years ago in Grostenquin France 1959-1963 Ethel and Carl whom I knew and remember so very well worked in the RCAF base hospital, and shared greetings every year and met at the occasional 2 Wing reunions.
There are so many fond memories and my thoughts and prayers are with Ethel always .From the Land of the Living Skies – Pelly Saskatchewan