Everyone
has a story. My mother had a great adventure. She lived an interesting life. She was born July 22, 1936 to her parents Karl Schwager and Jeanne (née Wirth) Schwager. Her parents ran a Droguerie in Thalwil, Switzerland, her father the druggist. Mari-Jane
was an only child. During the war a young girl from France sought refuge and they took her in like their own and for a few years mom had a live-in little sister. My mother travelled a lot, pictures of family trips to various parts of Europe, Italy was a frequent
destination and a favourite place of hers. She was a girl guide, she skied, she had many friends. At 18 years she got married and moved to Canada. The marriage didn’t last and she was soon on her own with limited English in the Toronto area. She worked
at Loblaws, put herself through University, got a Degree and became a Teacher. It would be while at a teacher friend’s gathering she would meet the greatest love of her life, my father, Alan James Johnson. It was a quick courtship, only about six months,
they got married on March 19, 1971. They got pregnant soon after but it wasn’t meant to be and sadly my mom gave birth to a stillborn. They tried again and I was born on July 10, 1973 (another only child generation). My parents were clearly in love. They
continued a great adventure, teaching, travelling, wine clubs, volunteering, helping at the church, making wines, great friends, becoming parents of a horsey child, running a bed and breakfast in Niagara on the Lake, going to concerts and theatre events; enjoying
life (quite honestly they were some of the busiest people I knew). They adored and were very involved in the lives of their two grandchildren (Garret and Trent), going to hockey games, and school events, and showing off pictures to anyone who would listen.
Garret and Trent were both treated to trips to Switzerland to see where my mother grew up. They continued their adventure until my father passed December 14, 2013 and at that time my mother’s dementia was too much for her to live on her own. She became a resident
of the home she once frequently volunteered at in Niagara on the Lake, Chateau Gardens (now Niagara Long Term Care). Mom loved her new home and the people and activities it gave her access to. She made many friends. Over the years her independence deteriorated
and could no longer walk or talk. She was loved and well cared for, many residents addressed her with a hello and her name long after mom couldn’t really respond. The nursing staff joked with her, chatted with her and cared for her right until the end. I
am so grateful for the connections she had in the home as with Covid 19 we hadn’t been allowed to visit. We were called in last Wednesday, as it was apparent that mom wasn’t doing well, we visited her Thursday and Saturday and said our goodbyes. On Mother’s
Day this year, May 10, 2020 she passed, my mom went to be with my dad. I know they are dancing and drinking fine wine together again. I love you very much mom and miss you terribly.
Life Well Lived
A life well lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace,
From someone who has made our world
A brighter, better place
It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears,
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A living, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure
– Author Unknown
Marie-Jane
Johnson (née Schwager) July 22, 1936 – May 10, 2020
Marie-Jane
is predeceased by her husband Alan, and her parents Jeanne and Karl. Sheleaves behind her daughter Andréa (Tim Edwards) and her grandchildren Garret and Trent Sammut and step grandchildren Molly and Emily Edwards. In light of Covid 19 there will be a celebration of life held for friends and family when we are able to do so.
Read Less
Sunday May 10th 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Marie Jane Johnson Sunday May 10th 2020..
Décès pour la Ville:Stoney-Creek, Province: Ontario