Lillian Johannson

Lillian Johannson

1919 - 2014

Lillian Johannson

Lillian Johannson

1919 - 2014

Obituary
Funeral Service: Saturday, February 8, 2014 1:00 p.m. Margo Lutheran Church, Margo, Sask. Interment to follow in the Margo Town Cemetery. Memorial donation's in memory of Lillian may be made to the British Columbia Hemochromatosis Society 285 - 7000 Minoru Blvd. V6Y 3Z5 Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so via this website. Lillian was born to Helmer and Augusta Hendrickson on September 17, 1919 in Wadena, Saskatchewan. She went to Ross School and Margo School. On October 20, 1949 she married the love of her life, Arni Johannson, in the lovely Moe Lutheran Country Church. Lillian was a homemaker and shared farming work with her husband Arni, later on working as a cook for PCL and the Department of Highways with a dear friend, Ethel Jones. She also enjoyed selling Fuller Brush products. Lillian was a very talented seamstress and for years served as a 4-H leader teaching young people sewing skills. She was also known for providing delicious meals and desserts. In December 1989, Arni, her husband of 40 years passed on. Lillian suffered for years from severe osteoarthritis and more recently was diagnosed with two incurable blood disorders - Thallasemia and Hemochromotasis. On February 4, 2014 Lillian passed on peacefully with daughter Eunice by her side. Lillian will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her two daughters: Euince Johannson, and Rita (George) Dawe and their sons Milton (Jen) and Jason (Michelle); 6 great grandchildren: Jordyn, Hallee, Colby, Noah, Mackenzie and Blake; as well as her 4 sisters-in-law: Margaret (Don) Ottman, Joyce Johannson, Helen Johannson, and Mae Hendrickson; brother-in-law Eric (Kay) Johannson; and many cherished nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Lillian is predeceased by her husband Arni (1989); her parents Augusta Regina (1967) and Helmer Benny (1981) Hendrickson; her brothers: Eldon (1969) and Lloyd (1982); nephew Ivan Hendrickson (1988); niece Coreen (2014); and infant grandson George Dawe (1976); sisters-in-law: Olaf (Lloyd) Harrison, Johanna (Harold) Garnish, Helga (Douglas) Dawson; and brothers-in-law: Elmer (Pearl) Johannson, Dave Johannson and Kris Johannson. Eulogy: Thank you for being here with us today to celebrate our Mother, Grandmother and great grandmothers and your friends life. Mom was the only girl in her family of origin, with one brother older and one younger. Mom told us many stories of growing up with the boys and how life was in those days. We recall her telling about the 2 plus miles they walked to school and town. On very cold days she would end up squatting with her dress and coat around her legs to warm up. Mom and her brothers would walk to school with their neighbor children and many life-long friendships grew out of this. Mom would help her Mom and Dad with whatever had to be done on the farm. She learned from her mother how to cook and bake and really was great at it! At threshing time there were many meals made. Mom helped milk the cows and look after the horses. The farm she grew up on was so picturesque with the house on the hill overlooking Hendrickson Lake. Mom loved music. Her uncle Jonas played the accordion and her brothers played guitars. Mom played the ukulele and could yodel. She loved to sing especially hymns. The staff at PVCH commented not long ago that Mom had such a beautiful singing voice. Last week Pastor Karl, Anita Pearce and Lorraine Almusa held a special concert in Moms room. Mom listened so closely and enjoyed every song. Andshe had the biggest smile on her face when Lorraine leaned over to talk to her. Reflecting back in timeour life with mom began after the special event of October 20th 1949 when Mom married the love of her life " Arni Johannson. They farmed 11 miles northwest of Margo from the time they married until the late 70s when they retired to live in Margo. They lived with and provided care for Moms Dad until his passing. Mom and Dad had 2 girls " Eunice and Rita. Mom told us Eunice was so small when she was born that her crib was a dresser drawer for months. Mom always encouraged us to do the best we could. Eunice loved playing the piano so music lesions were in order. Mom and Dad made sure she got to every one. When Eunice decided to study psychology Mom encouraged her to get her doctorate. Rita on the other hand was the more active and outdoor loving child. Mom would always wonder where Rita was and could be heard telling her to GET DOWN FROM THAT TREE ! So while Eunice was inside playing up a storm on the piano Rita was outside getting into one form of mischief or another. Mom loved visiting with people and made many friends. She was always concerned about family and friends " if she knew someone was ill she would pray for Gods best for them. Even in her last months she asked about relatives and friends. Ritas boys were the joy of her life. Milton was born the day after Mom and Dads 28th anniversary so he was their anniversary present. Jason was born in the spring and Mom was there to look after him. When the boys would go for a drive with Mom and they thought it was taking too long it was Grandma arent we there yet? Milton remembers the trip to Edmonton that Jason, Grandma and he took. Grandma thought Milton was driving too fast and she kept telling him to slow down. After a while Milt had enough and pulled over so Grandma could drive. Well let me tell you the boys soon became really quiet as Grandma was driving much faster than Milton had been!! Jason took over the trips with Grandma after Milton left home. For some reason Mom always gave Jason the wrong directions. He finally figured that Grandma did that just so she could drive. When the great grandchildren came along Mom was always asking about them. Mom loved each one of her six great grandchildren very much. When I would show her family pictures she knew each one. Just to note a couple examples of how Mom loved her Great Grand children - When Noah had ear surgery she was very concerned about him and prayed for him. When Colby was hurt figure-skating she did the same. Mom loved her family very much and I know she would want all of you kids to know and remember that. On another note, it was clear that Mom strongly believed in God and that there was a reason for everything. Praying for His best will, believing and trusting for His best were the focus. When the pain mom had was intense we would suggest she sing a hymn or say a prayer. She did this on her own and with us and she seemed comforted and helped through the stormy times of pain and suffering with the focus upon Gods loving presence and promises of care. On Tuesday February 4th Mom passed on peacefully with Eunice by her side. As we sat with Mom for a while in the moments after she was declared deceasedRita saw something we have never seen in the winter. There was a rainbow in the western sky! How peaceful and beautiful it was. An amazing God sent reassurance for us. Interestingly when we were making arrangements with Narfasons there was the touching and meaningful little article Look for me in Rainbows we felt guided to select for the bulletins you have today. Rita wants to read a verse from the Valentines Day card we gave Mom last year. Mom " you shared your time, even when you had so many thing to do. You shared your strength, even when you needed a rest, You shared your wisdom, even when it wasnt listened to. But most of all, you shared your love, and Mom, you shared the very best. Mom we will always remember what you taught us, we will carry on the tradition of the coffee is always on . In the days since Mom left for Heaven we have so often had the urge to pick up the phone and call her or when in Wadena go to see her. We will truly miss you, and are thankful we know you are in a much better place. We love you Mom. Till we meet again. Thank you: Thank you to all family and friends for the love and support you have shown for Mom especially over the last few challenging years. As well at this time of bereavement thank you to all who attended Moms funeral, visited with us, called, sent or brought food, cards and flowers. A very special Thank you to Pastor Chad, Teri, Lorraine, Marlene, Garth, Heather, Kandy and each of the pallbearers " for your excellence in the contributions each of you made. Thank you to Connie, Neil and Ruth for providing Mom with her last communion. Pastor Karl, Anita and Lorraine thank you for your God-guided acts of service in precious prayer times, visits and the special concert you put on for Mom just prior to her passing " we know she appreciated it so much. To Gloria and Violet Braaten thank you for your amazing timely and practical help and support for Eunices journey to be with Mom. Thank you to Kelsey, Lori, Greg, Roxanne and Milo for your support prior to Moms passing and in the days following. To doctors and staff at PVCH and Wadena Hospital in your work with people entrusted into your care, please know all demonstrated acts of caring are seen and valued. God bless you who care as you continue in your work. To Harold, Karol and staff at Narfasons Funeral Chapel " we certainly appreciate the excellent and truly professional services you provided.
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