Tribute

We grieve the passing of our dear Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Auntie and friend Elsie Johnson who passed away on December 19^th, 2023, at Fort St. John B.C.

Elsie was born in Fort St. John BC on February 6th, 1937, the first child of Muriel and John Hamilton. In her teens she met the love of her life, Barry Johnson, and they were married in 1953. They owned and operated a service station, a market garden, farmed and raised a family of five in Taylor. The Taylor home was always full of family, friends, with good food, no matter how many showed up at mealtime.  Many get-togethers were hosted by Elsie and included card playing, singing and dancing.

In 1975, Barry, Elsie and the three children still at home moved to Oliver, B.C. where she worked for the Southwind Inn and the South Okanagan General Hospital as a housekeeper. Retirement was full of camping. fishing and motor home trips which usually included family and friends. Elsie’s love of gardening showed in the landscaping, flower and vegetable gardens of her homes, and the those of her family and friends as she shared plant slips and divided roots. Elsie also shared her gardening knowledge as an active member of the Garden Club in Oliver. The “River Gardens” next door to the Oliver home were a labor of love.  A return to her “roots” was how Elsie described the move back to Fort St. John in 2019.

Elsie’s kindness, generosity, big hugs and much, much more will be sorely missed by all who knew her. We know you are dancing with Dad. planting flowers and making heaven more beautiful since you arrived.

Elsie is survived by daughters; Lexie (Jim Gordon), RoxAnna (Ron Gibson), Sharleen (Lee Westgate) and Corene (Bob Rosland) and son; Trevor (Megan), grandchildren, and dozens of great grandchildren. Elsie also leaves to mourn her passing, sister Audrey Fitzel, brothers Lorne, David and Hugh, many cousins and multiple nieces and nephews. Elsie was predeceased by her husband Barry and brothers Morley, Elroy and brother-in-law Herman Fitzel.

Many thanks to the caregivers at Peace Villa where Elsie enjoyed the last seven months.

A celebration of life for Elsie will be held in the spring.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.hamresfuneral.com (exchange for Oliver community  www.nunes-pottinger.com). Donations in Elsie’s  memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.

God saw you getting tired

When a cure was not to be

So he closed his arms around you

And whispered, “Come to me.”

Your smile is gone forever

Your hands we cannot touch,

All we have is memories,

Of one we loved so much

He took you to his garden,

And laid you there to rest,

God’s garden must be beautiful

He only takes the best.