Freda Emelia Johnson, age ninety-nine, passed away in the Canora Hospital on August 18, 2014. After a hip fracture on April 30, her health rapidly spiralled downward. At the time of her death she was a resident of Invermay Health Centre, awaiting transfer to Preeceville. Prior to that she was a resident of The Bentley since June 2003. She greatly enjoyed her years there and developed many close friendships. Freda was born on April 8, 1915 in the Sturgis District to Hans and Helen Johnson. After completing high school, she graduated from nurses training at Yorkton in June 1942. For five years she was matron of the Preeceville Hospital and subsequently became Director of Nursing at the Yorkton Auxiliary Hospital. After taking Nursing Admin at the University of Saskatchewan she then held the position of Associate Director of Nursing at the Yorkton Regional Hospital. She retired in July 1980 after 43 years in the profession. Nursing was her passion and she was very devoted to her profession. After her retirement she served as Volunteer Coordinator at the hospital for many years. She was an extremely caring person and always tried to help others, both family and friends. She was highly respected by both colleagues and patients. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed travelling. Two memorable trips were touring Europe for three months and later attending a World Health Organization Summer School in Oslo. After the course she travelled to Bergen where she met family and stood in the place where her parents grew up. She cherished her Norwegian heritage greatly and maintained contact with her family in Norway. Freda will be always remembered for her fiery independent spirit and her remarkable memory. She was a lifelong learner and kept up with world affairs and sports. Predeceased by her parents, two sisters Sylvia and Margaret, one brother Leonard, three nephews and two nieces. Freda is survived by one brother Henry (Florence) Johnson of Preeceville. She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephews and friends. Sov godt Tante Freda og tahh for alt. A Family Memorial Service was held on Friday, August 22, 2014 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home in Yorkton with Crystal Bailey B.Th. Certified Celebrant officiating. Niece, Laverne Carlson read a poem, Old Age. Special music was The Rose by Bette Midler. Interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Memorials in memory of Freda may be made to the New Hospital Building Fund as gifts of remembrance.
