Obituary of Johan Gertrude Mason

1938- 12 July 2023. Johan has now joined her sweetheart Harry, free of pain at last. Mom was a thoughtful and kind woman whose talents were many.

Mom was born in Princeton with her early years in Coalmont. She started school early, as she was the next oldest in townsite thus ensuring the school would not close for lack of students. Her later childhood years were in Maillardville during the time of the great flood and then the family moved to the Dewdney district where Mom helped in the café run by her mother. Johan graduated from Mission High
School in 1954 going on to get her teaching certificate. She taught at the one room school house inNelway. By this time her family had moved to Nelson. Mom could be found helping in the café just across the bridge. It was there she met the Mason boys. Her future brother-in-law, Fred Walgren actually had told dad about the cute girl in church. Soon Mom and dad were dating. They married August 1960 in Mission, just them, Mom’s sister and brother-in-law in attendance. A reception was held in Nelson later.

Mom and Dad lived in Kamloops during the 1960’s where they grew their family. While there, both partners were active in the Jaycees and Jaycettes with both taking a term as President. Mom returned to teaching for a bit before the move back to Nelson.

Mom held many positions while in Nelson, a substitute teacher, Hipperson’s, Cowan’s and Shopper’s Drug Mart before she retired. Her and Dad built a home out at 4 Mile before moving back into town where they stayed until Harry’s death. Mom wanted to be closer to her girls so she spent the last 5 years living in Langley.

Mom was talented in her sewing, knitting, crochet and quilting projects. We have many special items to remember her by. Every grandchild received a quilt made by her. They were just some of the personal and thoughtful gifts she had a talent of bestowing. Mom had a beautiful voice which she shared from her youth. She played the part of Cousin Hebe in the Nelson Choral Society production of HMS Pinafore. She returned to the Choral Society in the 80’s, something she loved. Mom volunteered for many years at Broader horizons which she enjoyed immensely.

Johan is survived by her daughters Sandra (Art), Betty-Jo (Richard) and Lora (Samir), her grand children Alex (Mandy), Derek, Lisa (Zach), Scott (Tasha), Shaun, Jeyna, Kaya and Mason, as well as three great grandchildren. She will be remembered by her brother Ken Miller, sisters in law - Maureen, Beryl, Janet, Joan and Sylvia, as well as numerous extended family members. She is predeceased by her siblings Lora and John.

Mom’s last years were marked with increasing facial pain courtesy of Adenoid Cystic cancer which was discovered much too late.

The family has requested no service as Mom hated funerals. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Diabetes Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choosing would be appreciated. Consider doing something thoughtful for another in her honour.

Good bye Mom, we love you.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johan Mason, please visit Tribute Store