Nina Margaret Johnson
October 3, 1941 – May 21, 2023
Nina Margaret Alice Johnson of Barrhead, AB passed away peacefully on May 21, 2023 at the age of 81. Affectionately known as Nina Mom, Grammy J and the Neens, she was surrounded by her children at the time. She was predeceased by her loving husband William “Bill” Elliott Johnson. Nina will be lovingly remembered by her children Kathy (Laure) Vickery, Deborah (Vince) Krivsky, Doug (Laura) Litke and Stacey (Terry) Assenheimer; her grandchildren Shawn Vickery and Kristine (Mike) Bryant; Sheila (Joel) Shears and Ben Krivsky; Caroline Litke and Andrea Litke; Jaryd Assenheimer; 6 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; and the father of her children Harry Litke. She made an impact on many lives.
Nina was born on October 3, 1941 to parents Russell and Margaret Davidson. She was named after the smallest ship that Christopher Columbus sailed to the West Indies in 1492. She explained her unique name and would say her parents must have known the name would match her tiny stature. But what she Nina was born on October 3, 1941 to parents Russell and Margaret Davidson. She was named after the smallest ship that Christopher Columbus sailed to the West Indies in 1492. She explained her unique name and would say her parents must have known the name would match her tiny stature. But what she lacked in size she compensated with an abundance of charisma, charm, feistiness and sense of humour. She was a fun-spirited soul, clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of her life experiences.
She entered the workforce as an usherette at a movie theatre. She spent years as the Head Librarian of Cherhill School. She worked at the Barrhead Inn where she met her late husband Bill. She was also part of ADLC where she created wonderful, lasting friendships. Her last job before retirement she found very rewarding. She worked as Administrative Support for the Barrhead Fire Department. Nina was a master when it came to administrative skills. She was a wizard with Excel spreadsheets and had the ability to learn a new task at any age.
She was rarely seen without a book in her hand or a handwritten list by her side. She was active in her retirement and travelled the world seeing places like Mexico, Hawaii, PEI, New York, Nashville and Jamaica to name a few. Anyone who saw her postcard collection knew she loved adventures. She disliked hot weather, hot sauce, being rushed, being late, picky people and big crowds. BUT she had many loves. She loved her children, ice cream treats and candies, fries, naps, watching her favourite TV shows and a nice glass of red wine.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Barrhead Continuing Care Centre (Keir Care) for their compassion and wonderful care of Nina.
Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of Nina’s life at Rose Garden Chapel in Barrhead on Monday, June 5th at 1:00 pm. Following the service, a luncheon will be served at the Barrhead Seniors Drop-In Centre.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society Alberta. Visit www.alzheimer.ca or a charity of one’s choice.
No amount of time with the astonishing Nina would have been enough for her family and friends but she has given us enough memories to last several lifetimes.
To quote Gandhi -
“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.”
