Beatrice Johnson died peacefully on September 13, 2009, at the age of 87, at Pioneer Lodge in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Bea was born and raised in Sunderland, England. Bea had to leave school at the age of fourteen to help support the family. She worked in a grocery store handing out war rations, and later she entered the war effort with the job of handing out uniforms to the airmen at Stafford airbase. There she met her RCAF sweetheart, Gordon Johnson, and married him in Sunderland. As a war bride, Bea journeyed by ship and train to join Gordon in Moose Jaw, and adopted Canada as her new home. A cheeky Brit, Bea was devoted to her family. She often sewed and knitted for her children and grandchildren; she belonged to a lively club of CPR wives; she loved Scamp, the family dog. Although not a true fan of tenting, Bea always made the best of the annual summer holidays to Clear Lake, the U.S., Waskesiu, or Pentiction. Bea was predeceased by husband Gordon in 1999, and son Russell in 2008 ; parents Septimus and Lena Smith, step‐mother Gladys Smith and brothers Ron and Reg Smith, all of Sunderland, England. Bea is lovingly remembered by her daughters Pat Chubb (Dennis) of Saskatoon, Jan Cavanagh (Rod) of Calgary; daughter‐in‐law Yvonne Johnson of Moose Jaw; grandchildren Michael Chubb (Paula Ghiglione) and Aaron Chubb (Kendra) of Saskatoon; James Cavanagh of Kingston, Ontario, Jenna and Patrick Cavanagh of Calgary; step‐grandchildren Corey Pirot (Bernie) and Tracey Deobald (Murray) of Regina ; great‐ grandchildren Maya, Gavin, Avery, and Jaiman Chubb, Quinton Pirot Gillian Mesch, Jennifer Calnek, Rob, Andrew, and Emma Deobald, and great‐ great‐grandchildren Grace, Halle and Lilah; sisters Marjorie of Bristol,England and Joan Hedley of Sinderland; as well as Gordon’s remaining relatives throughout Western Canada.
Following Bea’s wishes, no funeral is planned. A celebration of Beatrice’s life will be held at a later date. Please sign the memorial register book at www.wjjonesandson.com (obituaries). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. Many thanks to the kind and caring staff of Bea’s last residences, Chez Nous and Pioneer Lodge.