JOHNSON

1926 - 2024

JOHNSON , Viola - Viola Johnson passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at the Norquay Health Centre on April 30, 2024, at the age of 97 years. Viola was born at the family farm on May 30, 1926. She was the third child of seven born to Isaac and Amalia (nee Katajamaki) Polvi. Viola received her education at Convent Creek School and was confirmed in the St. John's Lutheran Church in the New Finland District. Viola worked as a nanny and a housekeeper for local families. She and her sister, Wilma, went to Winnipeg, MB, where they were seamstresses in a Jean factory. Viola then went to Vancouver, BC, to work at The Bay and The Salvation Army Hospital, in the kitchen. She also went to Seattle to work as a nanny for family there. Upon returning home, she worked for the Wilson family. Viola soon caught the eye of a new teacher, Arthur Johnson. They were married in St. John's Lutheran Church on August 11, 1951. They lived in various teacherages while Arthur taught school. In 1955, they moved to the family farm near Pelly, SK. Together they raised four children, Tom, Norman, Gilbert, and Thelma. Viola was a busy wife and mother, milking cows, raising chickens, growing and processing a huge garden, knitting and sewing clothes for her family, making bread, cookies and all sort of amazing meals. She attended the Pelly Fellowship Chapel, where she was part of the Ladies Aide. Viola and Arthur retired to Norquay where they became members of the Norquay Evangelical Covenant Church. Viola helped where she could - sharing her amazing cooking skills and spreading joy. She was a trusted friend and well loved by everyone who knew her. Viola was predeceased by her parents, Isaac and Amalia Polvi; her husband, Arthur, brothers: Leonard, John, Wilfred, and Arnold; her sister, Wilma; brothers-in-law: Charlie, Bert, Rueben, Rudolph, Donald, and Clarence; sisters-in-law, Isabelle, Dorothy, Edith, Mildred, Alice, and Ellen; and her granddaughter-in-law, Connie. She is survived by her sister, Alice; sister-in-law Eilina; her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Preceding the service, a Private Interment took place in the Garden of St. Matthew, Yorkton Memorial Gardens, east of Yorkton, SK. A Celebration of Life Service followed at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2024, from the Norquay Covenant Church, Norquay, SK. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Norquay Covenant Church Memorial Fund, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Viola Johnson. Family and friends unable to attend are invited to sign an online guestbook at www.lesonsfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements were entrusted to LESON'S FUNERAL HOME, Canora, SK.