Obituaries: Joyce “Joy” (Hanson) Johnson

July 27, 2024

3 minutes read

1921 ~ 2024 (age 103)

After a full life of 103 years, Joy passed away peacefully at the Heritage Manor, Kindersley, SK, on July 15, 2024 with trusted family and friends by her side. Joy began her life in Kindersley on June 30, 1921, born to William and Mary Hanson of Glidden, SK. They lived in a small farm home north of Glidden that she eventually shared with her three sisters Lesley, Lenore, and Merle. Joy went to school, and worked at various jobs, in the Glidden area.

Joy married Ronald Johnson on June 29th, 1940, and they lived on the Johnson Farm in the Rosanna area. Ronald and Joy had three children: Carolyn, Alan, and Jamie. After enjoying 25 years of farm living, they built a new home in Kindersley in 1965. In January 2008, Joy moved “downtown” into a brand-new apartment. Joy was a willing participant in the decision to choose Heritage Manor as her final home. She would often express how grateful she was for her long life full of wonderful experiences, her many good friends, and for the compassionate care she was receiving. Joy’s friendships encompassed people from all walks of life – and each one was special to her. From phone calls to family outings, sharing meals and entertaining, adventures near and far, or helping someone in times of difficulty – she was up for it all.

As a couple, Joy and Ronald enjoyed curling and golf, the Kindersley Royals baseball team, and 19 trips to either the Scotties, the Brier, or the Worlds to enjoy curling. Joy was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church, and was part of the choir, bell choir, UCW, and was often asked to share scripture, prayer, or the sermon. She was an active participant in everything Co-op. No one ever had to guess where her groceries came from! She was an honorary member of the Heritage Manor Auxiliary – even attending meetings for the first few years she lived in the Manor. She spent many hours helping with the establishment of the Kindersley Funeral Home.

Joy and her friend, Ruth Massey were practically inseparable throughout their lives. They were together through the struggles of prairie farm life, the Saskatoon berry picking trips down to the river hills, or the fun afternoons at Cutbank Lake, along with the challenges of raising children. That friendship lasted 70 years and our family is thankful that that companionship and love endures down through the generations.

Joy loved chocolate, a little glitz, and getting mail. She liked Popcorn Twists, dill pickle potato chips, and a good dessert. She loved coffee, Gerber daisies, and the faithful friend that always brought them. And she so loved the birds at the bird feeder outside her window.

Our family has had the privilege of enjoying five generations for several years and Joy’s legacy will live on through her children: Carolyn (Jim) Krauss and Alan (Sue Ellen) Johnson; her six grandchildren: Kelli Krauss, Kori (Steve) Austgarden, Kristyn (Christer) Kaitila, Raechelle (Derrick) Matsen, Daneille Johnson and Jason Delesalle; her seven great-grandchildren: Katelyn (Tristan Hansen) Ediger, Lindsay (Drever) Wood, Marc (Breanne) Krauss, Luke (Nicole) Austgarden, Beth Matsen, Spenser Matsen, James Kaitila; and her eight great-great-grandchildren: Timber Ediger, Emelia Larose, Audrey Larose, Blake Austgarden, Kullen Krauss, Bennett Austgarden, Kostin Krauss and Charlie Wood.
Joy was predeceased by her husband Ronald in 2003, and Jamie in 2016.
A Funeral Service for Joy Johnson will be held, Monday, July 29th at 2:00 pm from St. Paul’s United Church, Kindersley SK., with The Rev. Piotr Strzelecki officiating. Interment to follow in the Kindersley Cemetery.

If you wish, memoriam donations may be directed to the:
Heritage Manor Auxiliary Reserve – Kindersley and District Health and Wellness Foundation, Box 195 Kindersley, SK, S0L 1S0. In the memo line please enter: Heritage Manor Auxiliary Reserve.
e-Transfers may be sent to: kdhwfoundation@gmail.com
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Services
Funeral Service
Monday
July 29, 2024
2:00 PM
St. Paul’s United Church
502 Main Street
Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0

Donations
Heritage Manor Auxiliary
c/o Prairie Rose Floral & Gifts, 400 Main St. Kindersley, SK, Kindersley SK S0L 1S0

For more information contact; Barb Finley at 306-430-7733, Trina Messer at 306-460-8931, or Barb Hawking at 306-460-8349