Mary Irene Johnson

Johnson (nee Crowther) Mary Irene, February 26, 1934 - April 21, 2023. Mary passed away peacefully at Lions Gate Hospital the morning of April 21. Predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Ross, in 2009 and her sister Jean in 2019. She is survived and missed by her children Garth (Cara) Black Creek, Heather (Rick) New Westminster, and grandchildren Stefanie (Christian) Terrace, Kristin (Jackson) Black Creek, Ivana and Natalia as well as extended family and many friends.

Mary was born in Vancouver and grew up on Trafalgar St. in Kitsilano attending Lord Kitchener and Kitsilano High. She travelled to Europe with her sister and after her return, she began work at BC Forest Products. She married Ross in 1964 and moved to West Vancouver for the rest of her life where she raised her two children and multiple, beloved Labradors.

After Ross retired, they began their travels to New Zealand, Fiji, Alaska, Europe, Grand Canyon, a cruise through the Panama Canal and many trips to the QCI when Garth’s family lived there. Along with their travel Mary and Ross spent as much time as they could at the family cabin on Sakinaw Lake, a retreat they both loved. After Ross’s death she ventured out on her own and went on trips to the Maritimes, the Yukon, a Caribbean cruise and more trips to the QCI.

Mary was known for her kindness and generosity and was always the one to be called when someone needed a sympathetic ear. Mary was an extraordinary artist in many realms; she could sew, knit, crochet, bake, and, her favourite, paint. Her house and many others are decorated with her amazing talents. She kept an impressive garden of flowers and vegetables until she left her home of 54 years and moved to a condo overlooking the ocean where she continued her painting with the North Shore Artist Guild, and the many friends she made there.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Haaf and the caregivers from Home Instead who helped mom stay independently in her home for the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mary’s name to BC Children's Hospital or the charity of your choosing.

A celebration of life will be held at Mary's residence on May 20th from 1:00 to 4:00PM.

Any questions or if you need the address, please email [email protected]