Irene Helen Johnson

We are sad to announce the passing of Irene Johnson. She was in her 100th year and died peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by loved ones.

Irene was born in Smooth Rock Falls, a small town in Northern Ontario. After graduating from High School, she attended Business College in Toronto. This was during World War II and she remembered attending dances at Sunnyside beach.

After graduating, she returned to Smooth Rock Falls where she got a job in payroll at the Abitibi Paper Mill. It was there that she met her future husband Ferris Johnson.

They moved to St. Catharines in 1963. They raised a family of 4 boys and 1 girl in the family home she continued to live in until just before her passing.

Irene was a working professional, having served as the executive assistant to the first President of Brock University when Brock was established in a church on St. Paul Street. She also worked for the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority during the Twinning Project and finished her career working for Foster Wheeler Inc., an International boiler and engineering firm.

Irene and Ferris’s main focus was on caring for their family. They gave their children every opportunity for success through education and encouragement.

Irene attended every graduation, sporting event, music recital and special event that involved the family. Irene continued to be fully involved in the many activities of grand and great- grandchildren.

Family vacations were important and helped to create the close family bond that exists today.

Irene lived a long and exciting life. She saw changes that most people only read about. She

studied by coal oil lamp, no running water, watched the first TV, saw men land on the moon, had a personal computer and kept politically informed her entire life.

Irene was predeceased by her husband Ferris, brother Frank and parents Fred and Julia.

She leaves behind sons Ed (Carol), Don (Pam), Bob, Greg (Sue) and daughter Val (John).

Living to 100 also gave Irene a chance to really get to know her grandchildren as adults with their own families. Irene leaves behind loving grandchildren Summer (Jay), Emily (Ragan), Jessica (Paul), Matt (Andrea), Kaitlin (Liam), Eric (Amy), Cam. She had a special relationship with her grandchildren Jack, Max and Sam, as they lived close by and were a big part of her life.

Irene cherished her 10 great-grandchildren.

Irene will also be missed by friends and neighbours.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at March of Dimes Canada and Bayshore Home Health for their kindness and compassion.

Irene is being cared for by the Hulse and English Funeral Home in St. Catharines. A private family service will take place on April 13th.

On-line tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com.