Edith “Isabel” JOHNSON
September 17, 1915 – August 18, 2016
In her 101st year, our treasured Aunt Isabel departed this world comfortably, snoozing in her wheelchair on the front porch of her own home overlooking her flower filled garden. A tiny woman in contrast, she was known by family, friends, caring neighbours and her best friend Joan Brabant as ‘The Great One’. She personified independence and determination, reflective of the Johnson work ethic and frugality. Always witty, she enjoyed visits with people, excursions and neighbourhood activities. In July, Isabel went to her favourite destination, Silver Lake in Muskoka. From childhood on she spent part of most summers on this lake at the beloved family cottage where she would imitate the Loon’s call and the Loon would respond. Blueberry picking was sibling rivalry and blueberry pies baked in the oven of the old wood stove were ‘the best in the world’. Music was pure bliss. As a trained soprano she performed solos, duets and sang in many choirs. She worked for many years at The Royal Conservatory of Music. As an undergraduate at Victoria College, University of Toronto, Isabel took the lead in The Pirates of Penzance. Twenty years later she returned to upgrade her studies at University of Toronto, to become a high school English teacher and that year played the same Gilbert and Sullivan role. The many facets of her life included travel, influenced by family roots in the Isle of Man and Bermuda, continuing education teaching English as a second language, involvement with the historic Montgomery’s Inn and as soloist at the family church of St. George’s On-The-Hill where her parents sang in the choir in the late 1800s. She adored Queen Elizabeth, keeping the Queen’s signed photo and letter for Isabel’s 100th birthday in close proximity. The last of her siblings, the baton has been passed to her nieces and nephews Bruce Johnson, Judith Kennedy, Marilyn Friesen, Paul Johnson, Barbara Ebbing, Peter Cox and the great and great-great-nieces and nephews. Her caregivers have been a most giving part of her extended family in the past several years. Thank you with grateful hearts, especially to Anora Ronquillo.
Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke (between Islington and Kipling Aves.), on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service to be held at St. George’s On-The-Hill, 4600 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2016. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Isabel’s memory to the Dorothy Ley Hospice, UNICEF, Arthritis Society or to a charity of your choice.