Florence Johnson was born in Spedden, Alberta on March 20, 1931. She was the 11th child of Dmytro and Palahia (Shewchuk) Syroid. Her family lived through very challenging times. Her mother was hospitalized for an illness and her father passed away when she was young. Florence was raised by her sister, Mary, and family. Florence continued her education and then went to take her nursing training in Mission, BC. It was here where she met Gotfred Grant Johnson. They loved to dance to all of the old-time traditional dances, especially square dancing. They were married in 1953 and settled in Trail, BC. It was there that she worked at Trail Tadnac Hospital from 1958 to 1965. They were blessed with two of their three children, Gwen and Cindy. In 1966 they moved to Esterhazy, Saskatchewan and Brad was born. Florence worked at St. Anthony’s Hospital from 1972 till 1995, when she retired.
Florence was actively involved with the Redeemer Lutheran Church throughout her life. She served on Church Council, Pastoral Care, and the Church Alter Guild. She also took great pride in meticulously monitoring and caring for the flower gardens on the church’s grounds.
Florence loved country music. She would frequently attend the Big Valley Jamboree music festival in Craven, SK (when the event was still classy). She even had a cowboy hat covered in pins and program books from each of the annual events she attended. She especially enjoyed the music of the Oak Ridge Boys, the Statler Brothers, Charlie Pride and Kenny Rogers.
Florence loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, for whom she would often make blankets. She was known to make some for non-family members and their babies too! Many of her blankets were donated to Christmas hampers, women’s shelters, and animal shelters. Florence had a soft spot for animals, especially dachshund dogs. She was also a voracious reader. Her bookshelf contained a plethora of genres from thrillers to autobiographies to historical fiction.
Florence never missed the evening news and was always quite vocal about her perspective on current events. She was always quick-witted, keeping all discussions interesting and listeners on their toes. This may have made her appear a little rough around the edges to some; however, when someone was in need, you could always count on Mom/Grandma.
Florence was a gifted cook. Her specialties included homemade soups (which she often gave to her children and grandchildren living away from home to make sure they ate!) and of course her famous perogies!
Florence is pre-deceased by her parents and siblings. Florence leaves to mourn her daughter, Gwen Nowe, her granddaughter Tracy (Shane) Batch, great grandchildren, Ethan and Kaitlyn; her granddaughter Christine Nowe and her great granddaughter, Lilly; her daughter, Cindy (Jerome) Kreiser, her granddaughter Jamie (Martin)Hemmings, her great grandson, Liam; her grandson Justin (Stephanie) Kreiser and her great grandson, Reid; her son, Brad (Lorraine) Johnson, her grandson Graham (Ashley), and her grandson, Garrett; and numerous nieces and nephews.