February 4, 1942 – June 19, 2021
at the age of 79 years

It is with profound sadness that we announce our mother, Jean Grace Johnson, has gone to be with the Lord. Jean peacefully passed at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, BC on Saturday, June 19th, 2021 surrounded by the love of her three children. Jean is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Leonard Johnson.  Children: Kathleen (Jeff), Bill (Tamara) and Lynda (George). She also leaves behind her 7 grandchildren: Sammie (Ricardo), Jeffrey (Nicole), Melyssa (Ben), Julie, Jenn, Jenelle and Evie.  As well as her great grandchildren: Jakob, Molly and Jackson who all lovingly called her Gigi and her sister, Janet.

Jean was born on February 4, 1942 in Mission, BC. From there she moved to Oliver and then Port Alberni and eventually Penticton. She was most well known and loved especially by those that enjoyed breakfast and the famous Borscht at The Bear’s Den Restaurant. She worked side by side with her daughter Kathy for 18 years and eventually added granddaughter Sammie into the mix for the final 5 years. Jean was also known for her little red convertible that she was so proud to drive around after work. When Len and Jean retired, they moved to Logan Lake, BC where they spent their days meticulously taking care of and having great pride in their home and enjoying their yard and little Joey and Megan. They enjoyed the last few years out on their patio basking in the beauty of the life they created together.

To know Jean, was to love and be loved by her. Anyone that visited, was sent home with sandwiches wrapped in wax paper. Food was the way to her family’s heart and she always had your favourite meal when you visited, magically even if you showed up unannounced.

Jean’s motto was no matter what life throws at you, get up, wash your face and put on your lipstick. And you know what? It always worked and made you feel better. And for goodness sake….drink your water!

A special thank you to the nurses and doctors that helped make Jean comfortable towards the end of her life. She was always treated with such dignity and respect and she was in such peace towards the end.

We will forever be grateful for the years of amazing memories we have to get us through our darkest days. Jean was a Pilar of strength and love and she lives on in the hearts and minds of all that that loved her. The most important thing in Jean’s life was family. That is her legacy. Her love for family will carry on. Her sense of humour and grace and beauty will be remembered in stories we share with each other.

“So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart. for every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.”

We will share plans for a celebration of life ceremony at a future date.