Hazel Laura (Schultz) Johnson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hazel Laura Johnson. She peacefully entered eternal life on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre, at the age of 96, with loved ones by her side.

Hazel was born November 11, 1919 to parents Katie and Julius Schultz. She spent her early years growing up in the town of Bashaw and she attended school there. She met the love of her life, Leonard Wilhelm Johnson, when she was 16 years old (1936) and they married shortly after (October 21, 1938). They settled down on the family farm in the Water Glen area and their first child Dennis was born in 1945. Six years later Douglas (Doug) was born and completed their family. They spent lots of time curling at the Calumet Curling Club during the winter months and enjoyed spending time during the summer taking care of the farm and relaxing at the lake. In 1966 they relocated back to the town of Bashaw. After 43 happy years of marriage, Hazel lost her husband to cancer on March 5, 1981. She remained living in Bashaw in their family home until she decided it was time to move into the lodge. This was an exciting time for her as several of her family members and friends also lived in the same complex, and were only a short walk down the hall. As time went on those family and friends passed on and she decided it was time to move closer to Doug and Darlene in Lacombe. For several years she lived in the Legion Arms in Ponoka and took pleasure in getting out and around town. Her long time friend Phyllis Schultz lived right above her and they spent many days visiting, travelling to various bingo halls, and Wednesday games night at the Senior’s Drop In Centre. Hazel made her final move into the Rimoka Lodge in 2010. She remained healthy, active and social until her last days.

Family and friends were Hazel’s passion and delight. She took joy in playing crib, bingo, going for walks, reading, knitting and spending lots of time at Red Deer Lake with family.

It was the simple things around her in life that she never took for granted, commenting how fortunate and thankful she was for all those around her. She was a woman of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and the beauty and peace that would await her after her passing.

Her spirit is carried on by her sons Dennis (Pat) Johnson and Doug (Darlene) Johnson; four grandchildren Greg (Jacqueline) Johnson, Derek (Becky) Johnson, Christine (Dallas) Gustafson, and Jennifer (Marcel) Mahnkopf; brother Sonny (Viola) Schultz; sisters-in-law Bernie Johnson and Florence Cooper; and six great-grandchildren Gabriel & Josephine Johnson, Brenden & Carter Gustafson, and Bianca & Lucas Mahnkopf. She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her 7^th great-grandchild in July/August. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents Julius and Katie; husband Leonard; brothers Paul and Herman; sisters Ella and Ruby; father-in-law Otto & Karine Johnson; sisters-in-law Evelyn Richardson and Doris Humphrey; and brother-in-law Aldo Johnson.

A small service with immediate family will take place at the Bashaw Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ponoka on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.. Memorial donations can be made to the Rimoka Housing Foundation, Bashaw Cemetery, or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Schultz District).

The family would also like to thank Dr. Halse and his staff, the staff and volunteers of Rimoka Lodge, and the Nursing staff on the GOAL unit at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre for their tender and gracious care.

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