It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of June Johnson, our loving and dedicated mother and friend to all whose lives she touched. She left us while sleeping peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family. She was in the 96th year of her very active and involved life.
June was a caring and devoted wife to her husband of over 73 years (John Johnson) who passed away last year. She was also predeceased by her parents (Vesta and Allan Reid) and her dear daughter (Rae Johnson).
June remains the beloved mother of her son Allan and daughter-in-law Wendi. She was the proud grandmother of Adrian (Jen), Joslyn (Ricky), June, Curtis (Lyndsay), Chelsea, and Kristin (Miguel), and even prouder great-grandmother of Everly and Blythe.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she witnessed incredible changes to her world, as a child during The Great Depression and as a teenager during WWII with her father overseas serving in the army. Living in Winnipeg, she worked at the Pavilion in Assiniboine Park, serving ice cream to airmen of the Commonwealth Air Training Program. Exciting times for a young woman.
While working for the civil service, she met her loving husband, John Johnson. Married in 1949, they moved to Ottawa in 1962, where she achieved her dream of going to university, attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and becoming active in the political arena, canvasing, going to conventions and becoming a lifetime member of the NDP. June was a dedicated member of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa and then later The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa. June and John were there many Sunday mornings at the welcoming table, greeting new members of the fellowship. June had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed.
June lived a full and remarkable life as a committed mother and dependable charity worker, working in community outreach, driving people in need to their appointments, as well as volunteering at the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa. When her children got older, she returned to work in the civil service with the Canada Revenue Agency, where she made many new friends. An avid reader, she kept a keen mind up to her last days, still discussing politics and world affairs with family and friends.
She genuinely cared about other people and made friends wherever she went with her open heart and sincere interest. Most of all, she loved her family and instilled in her children and grandchildren strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
A Funeral Service and Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue Ottawa).
Digital Guestbook
Lori Czayka née Empson
Yvonne & Jim Couvier
We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your dear mother. We had the great pleasure of enjoying the company of both your parents and treasure those visits.
Sending warm thoughts to you and your family as you celebrate the wonderful memories of Aunt June.
George Hamilton
My Cousin June. What a joy it was to be part of her life. I lost touch for too long. I have had the opportunity to have phone chats with her these past few years and I always came away from them with a heart full of June. She would tell stories of the "Family" and my mom & dad & sisters and me, when I was, like 3 years old. She loved her kids and their kids and their kids & of course Johnny. Thanks for your heart, June... Love to you.....XO Geo.
JoAnne Dolinski
Auntie June, what can I say? She was such an a amazing woman. Every time I spoke to her I was even more amazed. She was so kind, gentle and loving - a great pairing with Uncle Johnny. I will always remember the many summer vacations spent with them at Grand Beach where they generously opened their home to us. They were always so proud of you and Rae (and of course their grandkids and great grandkids). In the last couple of years Auntie June helped me with questions on my family tree. What a memory! I was so grateful and thoroughly enjoyed those conversations. I am truly blessed to have had her and your dad in my life. My thoughts and love go out to you and your family. ❤
Sally Olsen
As a member of the Unitarian Fellowship of Ottawa, we have had many wonderful times with June and John. My fondest memories are at her house for Wise Elder meetings which were full of laughter, good cheer, uplifting conversation and brief visits with John as he was banished to the basement. She was a good neighbour and we were so glad to meet her neighbours at these meetings as she included everyone. She served us such lovely snacks and tea and was always proudly telling us about or showing us something about her family, particularly her daughter's paintings. She made you feel so special and appreciated always. We will miss her and send our heartfelt condolances to her family. We know you will carry on her wonderful spirit.
My mom and dad Mildred and Charles so enjoyed visiting with your parents both at their home and in Ottawa. They were special people. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you celebrate the life of your mom June.