Born in Bentley, Alberta, Marcia lived in several Central Alberta towns and graduated from Red Deer Composite at 16. She gained a teaching certificate at University of Alberta and then taught at Evarts and Innisfail, where she met and married the local Mountie. She was a respected teacher in Red Deer at Mountview and Calgary at Queens Park, Colonel Sanders, Capt. John Palliser and Vice-Principal at Queen Elizabeth, completed her B.Ed. at University of Calgary and was promoted to Consultant – Elementary for Calgary Northwest. With the arrival of a son in 1970, she became a fastidious homemaker and very active in local church, charities and community organizations. In 1989, she experienced cerebrovascular aneurysm haemorrhage, resulting in lengthy hospitalization. During that time, she also became one of the last victims of the Red Cross Blood Scandal, receiving a transfusion with Hepatitis C. She strove bravely to recover as much as possible and went on to lead a rewarding life in Lethbridge and Victoria until health complications caught up with her. She was fond of singing, piano and quality time with husband, Allan, son Mark and a little cat “Tip”. Our loving “Bammles” was so dear. God has given her rest after a hard journey.
Private family service will be held. Deep thanks to the wonderful staff, volunteers and fellow patients at SPH Palliative Care, to Dr. Wetzer and “Jo Speaking”. Your kindness helped. In lieu of lowers, donations can be made to Palliative Unit, c/o Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 2166 Mt. Newton Cross Road, Saanich, BC V8M 2B2.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
17 Responses
Dear Uncle Allan and Mark,
Few words can be a comfort in a time of such sorrow. Even though there is little that can be said, or done, to ease your burden, I hope that you are able to draw strength from the legacy of family that lives on.
I wanted you to know that Auntie Marcia will live on in the memories that I hold close in my heart, memories that have shaped the person I have become.
I will remember a long ago visit–a warm and welcoming home, her efforts to please, her indulgence for the wild musical ministrations and rat-a-tat-tat emanating from the basement to wend themselves through the household.
I will remember her affinity for and love of music, and the way in which she brought the piano to life.
I will remember a shy young girl in a Simpson Sears fitting room and her special attentions in helping to find just the ‘right’ summer dress. I recall, so vividly, a sailboat afloat against a tangerine sunset on a pale blue cotton sea. I remember the pride I felt in wearing that dress and the special way it made me feel each time I put it on.
I will remember her standing to one side and looking on as we turned upon the carousel in a summertime at Bowness Park.
In later years, I will remember the way she took my hand in hers, and gave it a squeeze, her eager smile, her caring and her remembering.
I know that nothing can ease the hurt with the raw pain of loss so very fresh, but hopefully a lifetime of memories may help to lift you up, may be a flicker of light to you, may offer you solace.
Remember the goodness, and the strength and courage of a remarkable woman, of the life she lived, the lives she touched and the impressions that are yet left to carry on.
She will always be a part of me, and a part of who I am.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you both.
Julie and Paul Mann
Dear Al,
I am so very sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Although I only had a brief meeting with your Marcia, I found her to be really interesting and warm. She was a very easy person to bond with– being a fellow teacher helped.
I can only immagine how difficult this time is for you and your son
Please accept my most heartfelt condolences to you both
Sincerely,
Donna Geggie.
Mr. Johansson and Mark,
On behalf of Dad and our family I would like to extend our sincere and heart felt sympathies to you both. Mrs. Johanssen was a beautuful women full of grace and class. Though many years have passed we have many fond memories of times spent in her company.
Sincerely,
Kerri Butler and Ben Robinson
Al & Mark: Sincere condolences to you at this trying time. We have been out of touch for too many years and still have fond memories of you and Marcia. We expect the strength you provided to Marcia during her illness will also help support you at this time. Sincerely. Frank & Wollene
Al,
I am saddened this morning to hear of your loss. I remember most vividly a road trip you and I took to Leduc while I worked for you in Traffic. We had the pleasure of Marcia’s wonderful company on the way until we dropped her off in Lacombe. I was enchanted with her class and bright, bubbly personality. I also could not help but notice how much you adored her; I understand now I only knew such a small part of the story. May you find peace in your own time in the aftermath of such grievous loss. My heart and prayers are with you and Mark this morning. Stay well.
Brad
Al and Mark,
My deepest sympathy to both of you. I have fond memories of Marcia. I am so sorry.
Allan and Mark:
Our sincere sympathies to you both. We have so many happy memories around the piano at your home and visits with you all.
May God give you peace and comfort in these trying times.
Ruth & Pam