I met Geraldine in the 6th grade about 1959 at Sheppard Ave West Public School at Keele and Sheppard in North York.  We became fast friends and were inseparable. I recall going back to meet her parents on more than one occasion at her house on Wycombe Road.  
In school, sitting next to her, I was constantly in trouble with the teacher, Mr Brett for constantly talking to her during class. One day, Mr Brett physically separated us and moved  me to a desk at the back of the class from Gerry who sat at the front.    To get back to the front of the class and be nearer to her, I cooked up a story that I couldn't see the chalk board from the back of the class and squinted to feign an inability to see it.  Weeks later, Mr Brett relented and moved me back to the front on the condition that I not talk to Gerry  during class. That lasted about 15  minutes.  He  moved me to the back once again and suggested I get my eyes examined. 
  I am not surprised to read here that her vocation became Art. In grade 6, Geraldine always achieved top marks in Art with the teacher often commenting on her propensity with colours in her Art work. Yes, even in the 6th grade it was noticed. 
At the end of the school year, my Father who was in the Air Force was transferred to Edmonton so Gerry and I lost contact forever. 
Most of my childhood friends I have forgotten. Gerry was not one of them.  I wondered years later whatever happened to her. It is uncanny that we were living blocks apart this last few years, well away from Keele and Sheppard as I too lived in Cabbagetown,  2 blocks from her house from 1977 onward.    No doubt we passed each other many times on the street without knowing it. As I read through the posted memories, she was no doubt as much fun to know recently as she was in 1959. 
It saddens me  that I find out  only after her passing, that we were neighbours all these years.

I thought your mum would appreciate this shirt. She would critique the composition, obviously but she would have loved the colours. I sooo remember her stories of her youth in Winnipeg and Toronto. What a life she lived and her stories live on in me and you, and you! 
Love 
Jim Kinney

It is quite surreal contemplating a world where Jerri is not applying the rigours of design simplicity and order. From order came calm and from calm—peace. May she traverse the afterlife in peace knowing she is loved and missed by so many. Besides her delightful eccentricities she centred everything she worked for in her life on family—providing a stable, loving and creative environment for her children to thrive in. Jessy and Sienna are proof positive of the outcome of her efforts and Sienna is continuing that legacy with her own beautiful family. We were all lucky to have shared the road with her.

Though we were colleagues, we had rare moments of working together, but I can tell you that the few interactions we had were both intense and fun. And that is a good combo, intense and fun like her famous eternal red blazer.   

-- Bon voyage Jerri

Part 2 of 2

A certain ambience surrounded her — you could feel her presence in a room; you knew when Jerri was around because things usually got louder. (I have to confess now that I turned off the jazz music in the office when she wasn't around — forgive me, Jerri, I couldn't concentrate.)

I learned so much from Jerri as a teacher. She could be resolute in her critiques but she was always respectful to her students. I also learned to leave promptly at the conclusion of my classes, otherwise Jerri would have you moving plants, re-arranging office furniture or putting up a student poster somewhere in the halls of George Brown College

As I'm writing this I see an award I received from the college in 2011. It has the college's multi-colours in a vertical stripe representing the many divisions of the college or perhaps a reference to LGBTQ pride, but now I just see beautiful colours. Colours Jerri would love for a college and students who Jerri also loved.

When we return to the college, please remember that there are two towels hanging from the sink in the lunchroom: one is to dry the dishes and the other one is to dry your hands. Jerri would appreciate that you follow that directive.

Goodbye dear friend, I will do my best to keep the kitchen clean and water the plants in your absence.

Part 1 of 2

Even though I didn't know her name, I met Jerri Johnson while delivering my first lesson plan to GBC faculty in May, 2000. Jerri, along with other faculty and management were on the hiring committee. Jerri smiled and nodded as I excitedly and nervously made my way through the lesson and I knew that at least Jerri was enjoying what I was trying to teach. All those years ago, she made my day. (Of course, she met all the learning outcomes for the lesson.)

I've worked side-by-side with Jerri ever since and I can honestly say I have never met anyone like her. Jerri was energetic, engaged, caring, generous and fun. Trying to come to terms with someone so full of life who is now gone is very, very hard for me to fathom.

I knew Jerri as a colleague and as a friend. Luckily, I was often invited to her beautiful home in Cabbagetown. Jerri's home wasn't just a gathering place, it was a salon — a place where interesting people discussed interesting things surrounded by Jerri's art, plants, dog and books, all infused with her love of jazz, good food and of course, Italian wine.

Jerri Johnson lived and breathed art and design, especially her favourite element: colour. To me, colour is the most challenging of the art elements to understand, but Jerri had a special feel for it and whenever colour could be mixed with music and dance, the better the outcome could be.

When I set up my new home in Whitby 8 years ago, Jerri visited and quickly went to work making suggestions (no, orders) as to how my new house should look. She wasn't just talk, Jerri Johnson was ACTION: she kindly brought some of her own prints and collages to enliven my home. I used to joke to Jerri that my home could be called the Jerri Johnson Museum of Art. These artworks hold even more meaning to me now.



Whenever I reflect back on my childhood I think of two different things: 
1. The everlasting memories created with my childhood friends and
2.  The time spent with their parents.

Sienna, you are irrevocably tied to my childhood and adolescence and Jerri was definitely the colourful and vibrant fringe to that childhood!

I am devastated to hear of Jerri’s sudden and heartbreaking departure from this earth. Since learning of her passing, I have spent many moments in reflection, struggling to find the right words to encapsulate my memories of her… 
When I think of Jerri I think of: 

How impressed she was that I referred to her as, “Ms. Johnson” (despite her many attempts to deter me… A request I think I finally acquiesced to as a teenager.) 

How beautiful she always was – dressed in her fabulously hip clothing and vibrant red lipstick. 

How cool she was - always letting us be by ourselves - left to own devices to have fun. 

How smart she was - always surprised by how impressive and unique it was to have an office in your home and how impactful she must’ve been in her professional career. 

How nostalgic she was whenever we would get together - always making sure we recognized the significance of each and every milestone. 

And finally, how enamoured she was - to see and celebrate me as a woman and mom whenever she saw me when I came home… always beaming with pride right along as an honorary parent. 

Sienna, I am so very sorry (to you, Jesse and family) for all the heartache you are having to endure. I send you all my love and prayers in hopes that it provides you with some strength to forge the months ahead. 

Janis

We had some great memories as kids and then adults with Jerri in our midst.  She was always having fun, and enjoying life, making great stories full of joy and laughter on the way.  My deepest condolences to Jesse, Sienna and the family for your loss. May the  good memories of her be with you always.

I have been with the GBC School of Design since 7 years now and Jerri was one of the first ones to make me feel warm and welcomed. She always had time for a short chat while I made tea in the morning before class. When we moved to the new campus she sat opposite my desk and we always chatted about our art, projects, classes and students. She was full of ideas and energy and I will miss her vivacity in the staff room. My heartfelt condolences to her family and all who loved her. May the memories comfort you and bring you peace. 

It is hard for me to imagine the School of Design without the lively, caring and generous presence of my dear colleague, Jerri Johnson. I have known Jerri since 2008 when I started teaching at the college. Jerri was kind and compassionate towards her students and colleagues alike. She was always looking after new faculty, including myself, to make us feel comfortable and that we belong. Jerri was a great artist and her passion for art was contagious. I have the beautiful collection of the wallpaper samples that she kindly gave me as a gift for the collage projects that we have in our Art and Design Foundation courses, and her elegant handwritten Christmas greeting cards that I hold dear to my heart. Jerri, you left us too soon but I will always cherish the great memories that I have from working with you at the college. My deepest condolences to Jerri’s family and friends. May your soul rest in peace, Dear Jerri.



With Jerri's passing, we lost a pillar in our Cabbagetown grandparent community.  From the Halloween activities she put together for the kids, to her impromptu t-ball games set up in the park. She took a genuine interest in all of us that crossed her path, and we were very lucky to have had her in our lives, and those of our kids. Sending an immense amount of love and support. 

Sending our sympathy to family. Barry let me know of Jerri's passing.  Have many happy memories of her growing up from Kipling and Regina. Still remember her making a sketch for one of our children before she moved to Toronto.  Remember her with fond memories.


I have so many nice memories of Jerri!! She treated myself, my children and husband (but especially Emilio and Ruby! Ha!) with love and kindness and interest and enthusiasm, right from the first time we met! She asked me questions about my family; made me food when I was in the midst of a difficult move, played dress-up with Emilio, fed my children…

But I will share this because it’s one of my earliest and sweetest memories of her…When I was on maternity leave with my first baby, I had the good fortune of meeting Sienna and then of course, Jerri. I was struck by how loving she was with Sienna and how she always seemed available…holding Nicholas, packing snacks, and other sweet things. I was only getting to know Sienna at that time, but it was immediately clear her mom was never far away.

One day our group of Cabbagetown moms had taken our babies for swim class and Jerri joined. She snapped pictures and videos of the whole thing from poolside. Doting on not just Sienna, but the whole group. It was incredible and nice and no one else was doing that! And at one point she even videotaped me with my son. 

She hardly knew me then, but she’d taken time to capture this moment because she knew it was special. And it was. She got my email and sent me the the video right away. I have often looked back at and felt so lucky to have that moment saved. Emilio laughing in the water while I bop him and help him learn. 

Jerri knew this was important to remember because she gets it and she cares and she’s the ultimate mother. 

That moment of her at the pool is who I came to know her to be. So loving and sweet and generous and kind and she loves babies and mothers. And her kids and grandkids so much. 

I feel lucky to have known her. And I’m really going to miss her.

Sienna, Jesse

Words usually come easy to me. Except now. I can't help but feel your charismatic mother will somehow be looking at what we write and making positive observations and suggestions as to how to enhance our comments and make them resonate more. 

She always wanted those around her to fulfill their potential, fuel their passion and ultimately live their dream. Jerri seeked only the very best and when we delivered her desire to be heard was met. 

The sparkle in her eyes epitomized the unwavering zest she had to simply instil passion, creativity and commitment to her audience - ever inquisitive students, respected colleagues, friendly neighbours and loving family.

Heartfelt condolences.

Jerri was an amazing prof who truly saw the best in everyone’s work. She saw potential in my work that I couldn’t see and helped me push it to be amazing. It was truly a privilege to have her teach me editorial design and the small amount of packaging design. She will be missed by so many. May she rest easy.

Sienna, Jesse and family - we are totally devastated to hear the sad news of your dear Mother’s passing.
Jerry was indeed a shining light in all the lives she touched.  Although, sadly,  I was not able to see her often, she was a person that if we were not able to see her often, when we did meet, we could pick up right where we left off and feel that we saw each other yesterday!  
I will always remember her that way and will always be thankful for the brief times we had together. 
She was one of the loveliest people I ever had the privilege of knowing even for a short while.
May she Rest In Peace.  She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.  God has a new angel who will keep heaven humming!  

I met Jerri 20 years ago as a design student. Her passion for design, and for life, was contagious. She saw potential in all of her students, and she knew how to bring out the best in them, including the ones who weren’t the stars of the class. I feel so lucky to have also formed a friendship with Jerri and had her in my life all of these years. Brightening things up came naturally to her – anything from an outfit, to a room (physically and otherwise), to a person’s mood. She’s gone from this world, but she will continue to be an inspiration to me, as a designer and as a person. I want to send my condolences to everyone who loved her, I know you are many.

I studied at George Brown and had Jerri as my professor at least 4 or 5 times, for editorial, experimental typography and packaging classes, and each time had been incredibly entertaining. I was definitely not the best student, and for sure failed her packing class the first time I took it (on my own accord), but I learnt a lot from Jerri and have a lot of good memories just being in her class and the atmosphere she created in it. I have fond memories of helping her set her packaging display cabinet, joking around and chit chatting after class, and just being absolutely roasted alive for my design work. But as much as it was hard to change things about my designs, her suggestions always improved it. It’s hard to believe that Jerri had been teaching for as long as I have been alive, but her skill and knowledge showed that tenfold. It’s sad to know she will not be continuing to terrorize students at GBC, but her affect and reach will continue to live on threw those she taught. The packaging legend of George Brown College will be missed ❤️ 

I just learnt of your mom's passing Jesse, Sienna. Having lost a number of loved ones during this pandemic I know firsthand how much harder everything is for an already difficult time.

My deepest condolences to you two and your families. If you are looking for an ear know that you don't have to look too far.

We’ve known Jerri as  neighbours for over 30 years.  She always stopped to say hi, how are you.  Her creativity was evident in everything she did, including her gardens and home.  But, it was her joy of family and friends that we will remember the most.   Heartfelt condolences.  
Jan & Kathy Goulding

Jerri and I first met in 1970 at the New School of Art. Crazy enthusiastic art students we were.  We met again over 20 years later, this time as parents and neighbours. I was coaching a local children's baseball team and recognized Jerri in the stands cheering on her two young kids Sienna and Jesse. Finally, after occasionally bumping into each other in the neighbourhood I mentioned to Jerri that I'd like to apply to the GBC School of Design and she kindly gave me a recommendation, the rest is history. We got to know each other even better during the next ten years as co teachers. I will miss her. My deepest condolences to Sienna and Jesse, your mom is a beautiful person.

I met Jerri way back in the late 90's. She was definitely a force of nature. But within the whirlwind of energy you could see that she was a passionate professor, who pushed her students to do the best work possible. She became the matriarch of the school making sure that everything had its place and went about making the school look like a design school by getting the students work up throughout the school...Jerri made sure that the school was an inviting and engaging place.
My condolences to her family, her loss will be felt for a long time throughout the School of Design. I hope that in time the wonderful memories will overshadow the pain...Jerri had a profound effect on thousands of students, which in my book, is a life well lived.

Sienna,

My deepest condolences to your family during this loss. 

I remember your mum fondly and can recall the visit to your home in Cabbagetown long ago, and her being so hospitable and very engaging with us. I remember I was so intrigued at her being a college professor, and asking her loads of questions. I hadn't ever really thought of education as a career like that before. She was patient and took my annoying teenage quizzing like a champ. Years later I would be able to teach at the very same college myself. 

I can only imagine how this is hitting hard for so many who knew her in all the domains she moved through. Holding your entire family in my thoughts during this loss. 

Lots of love,

David.

I had the pleasure of taking one of Jerri’s classes last Spring at the School of Design. She was kind, patient, caring and did everything she could to help her students succeed. Through what was a challenging year for many of us, Jerri was a source of bright light and she will be deeply missed by her students at the School of Design. Sending love and condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. 

Jesse, Sienna. I am absolutely gutted by this sudden and heart-breaking news. My condolences to you both and to the grandchildren. Your mother was the life and soul of our school of design. She possessed an indefatigable creative spirit combined with the capacity to get stuff done. She was always executing on on the plans that she hatched. Just keeping up with her was an accomplishment. Jerri taught me what passion and commitment in teaching looked like. I had the good fortune to work closely with your Mum on a few courses and her work ethic was unbeatable. She made me better all round. She was the social heart of life at the college. You could always count on her for an invite round for tea or a glass of wine and she was never more content than providing glowing reports about your career development and, of course, the new additions to her family. She lit up every room she entered into. I just know that if there is a heaven they don't know what is about to hit them. The pearly gates will be getting a much needed do-over and the afterlife will be more organized and put-together than it has ever been. Please reach out if you want to talk. Your Mum was always there for me and I would like to  be there for you and Jesse at this enormously difficult time.

Jerri was a colleague & wonderful friend for 20+ years. 

Jerri was a  beautiful spirit.  She did beautiful yoga in my classes for many years and attended my dance classes at the Mayfair club.  She also introduced me to her lovely daughter and 2 of her special friends over the years.  I loved  hearing  stories she shared about her children and   grand children who she adored and loved. 

This is very sad and shocking news.  My sincere sympathies go out to the family and all who loved Jerri.  I will miss her and  keep loving memories of her in my heart.  
Healing love and light to her family and friends
Rest Peacefully Jerri
Glory Last


Jesse, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom.  Though I didn't know her well, I'll miss our exchanges in the back lane as we were getting in and out of our cars.  She was always pleasant and thoughtful. 
My condolences to you and your sister.

Jane Anderson

OBITUARY

Geraldine Faye Johnson

8 December, 1949 – 6 October, 2021

Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel

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