Obituary of Margaret Josephine Johnson

JOHNSON, Margaret Josephine "Mrs. J." – age 91, of Shubenacadie, passed away peacefully, August 25, 2016, in The Mira, Truro, surrounded by family.

Born in Stafford, New York, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Clara Breckenridge. Mrs. J. devoted her life to teaching, beginning in various one room schoolhouses before moving to Hants East Rural High School when it opened in 1957, where she spent the remainder of her professional teaching career. She was very involved in extra curricular activities at the school – drama, sports, Reach For The Top, etc. Mrs. J. was instrumental in beginning the Driver’s Education Program in the county, and taught thousands of students and adults how to drive. She was an active and devoted volunteer in her community, supporting Home and School, creating the Caring and Sharing Program, Allied Youth, and numerous other causes and organizations. She was also very involved in all aspects of her church community at Riverview United Church, Elmsdale. Among many other accolades, Mrs. J. was honoured for her volunteer commitment to her community, being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

She is survived by her son, Harold (Karen) Johnson, Eastern Passage; grandchildren, Melanie (Kelly) Osborne and Mark Johnson, Eastern Passage; Kelly (Justin) Peters, Toronto; Dan Johnson, Pittsburgh, Penn.; great grandchildren, Thomas, Lewis, Jonathan Osborne, Eastern Passage; Hunter and Zoe, Pittsburgh; nieces, Karen MacDonald, Bergen, NY; Margaret Cunningham, East Bethany, NY.

She was predeceased by her husband, Percy; son, Winston; daughter in-law, Becky; brother, Andrew.

Visitation will be 6-8pm, Monday, August 29 in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie.

Funeral Service will be 11am, Tuesday, August 30, in Riverview United Church, 1 Miller Road, Elmsdale, Rev. Catherine MacDonald officiating.

A reception will follow. Private family interment.

Donations in memory of Mrs. J. may be made to the Riverview United Church, The Alzheimer’s Society, or to a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Primrose Lane at The Mira,for the compassionate care given to Mrs. J.

Condolences, words of comfort, and memories of Mrs. J. may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com