Obituary of May Johnson

May (Katharine) Johnson 1925 -2017 May Maxwell was born August 13, 1925 in Claresholm, Alberta, the oldest daughter of Anna and Howard Maxwell. They lived in Claresholm until May was 5 when the family became Peace River pioneers and moved to Cherry Point, Alberta. The Maxwell's settled on the top of the Peace River hills, with a breath taking view. Cherry Point became a place of adventure but hard work filled with berry picking, gardening, hunting and canning. May married Fred Johnson in 1946 and raised a family of six, enjoying a good life together in Cherry Point. They were married for over 60 years. She was always willing to help with grandchildren and she had the patience of an angel, sitting for hours teaching and playing card games with the young grandchildren. Trips to the river for backwater swims, bonspiels, and community baseball tournaments were favorite outings. She remembered us all and kept in touch with far away relatives on birthdays, anniversaries, and newsy Christmas letters. Life was busy for May with 3 large gardens, raspberry patch, gooseberries, blackberries and wild berry picking. She opened her heart and home to family and friends. She could cook a meal out of nothing and there was always plenty to go around for the farm workers, family, and any others that happened by. May was very community minded and was always willing to help. She loved curling, any card game, puzzles, scrabble, word searches, coloring, and watching game shows. Trips to the river with one of her sons to check the cows and go for a drive was always enjoyed. In later years, many enjoyable winters were spent in Qualicum Beach near to her daughter Ann McVey, joining the senior club, and meeting new friends. May developed some health issues in the last few years and spent most of this time living with Betty and Jim Hanston in Lethbridge. May was predeceased by husband Fred, son Jim, and brother Jack. She leaves behind a strong legacy with her children, Ann McVey, Charlie (Pat) Johnson, Betty (Jim) Hanston, Peggy (Gerry) Bergeron, Jesse (Kim) Johnson, and Helen Johnson; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter. She will forever inspire us with her strength, love, and amazing character. A funeral service was held March 4, 2017 at Cherry Canyon Hall, Rev. Marilyn Carroll officiated, and interment followed in Cherry Point Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd. Service 2:00 pm Saturday, March 4, 2017 Cherry Canyon Hall Bear Canyon BEAR CANYON, Alberta, Canada Interment Cherry Point Community Cemetery General Delivery Cherry Point CHERRY POINT, Alberta, Canada T0H 0T0