Agnes Johnson
1938-2021
It is with heavy hearts we announce the death of Agnes Louise
(Campbell) Johnson on April 18, 2021 at the age of 82, at Hotel Dieu
St. Joseph Hospital Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. Born May 9, 1938 in
Stellarton, NS, Agnes was the youngest child of Stella Marie (Young)
and John Joseph Campbell. She is survived by her loving husband of 54
years, Blair; her son Alan(Al) of Scottsdale, Arizona; daughter Marie
of Plaster Rock, NB; her sister-in-law Dorothy in Ontario as well as
many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and adopted family. She was
predeceased by her parents; her 8 brothers and sisters; Mary, Angus,
Donnie, Emma, Jimmy, Malcolm, Raymond and Rodderick.
Agnes was a woman of many talents. Her faith called her to be an
active member in her church community, where she served as elder, most
notably on worship committee, where she had the opportunity to deliver
many a meaningful message to congregants in the absence of a minister.
She sang in the choir for many years, and had a beautiful soprano
voice, that she shared shyly, but proudly on many a Sunday morning.
She scaled back in recent years, but her faith never wavered,
remaining strong to the end. She participated in plays, cantatas, and
many other fund-raising campaigns, believing that we are called to
have a giving heart. She volunteered with the breakfast program at
Donald Fraser Elementary School, giving it up only grudgingly due to
declining health. She also volunteered at the Tobique Valley Manor,
calling bingo, singing songs, holding church services, drawing out the
shy and confused alike giving them a sense of home in what can be a
scary setting. Continuing in this vein, her empathy knew no bounds.
She sat with a number of palliative patients over the years, from
sibling, to friends and to congregants at St. Andrews United Church
Plaster Rock, praying, singing, telling stories, holding hands,
whatever she could to ease a passing and offer comfort to those left
behind.
As a parent she was strong, strict, loving, comforting, supportive,
she was a guide, mentor, and best friend all rolled into one. She
welcomed all her children’s friends making them members of the
family. She could be a protective momma bear on minute, strict
disciplinarian the next and then telling inappropriate jokes the next.
Her quick wit made her the life of the party, and her compassionate
shoulder to cry on endeared her to many. She was fearless, and would
try anything just once, not worrying about embarrassing herself if it
would put a smile on someone’s face.
A member of the Girls Guides of Canada as a girl, Agnes didn’t
hesitate when Marie’s Girl Guide Company was short a leader to
jump in and become a leader. When Marie passed from Guides to
Pathfinders Agnes became the first Pathfinder leader and stayed for
several years, after Marie received her Canada Cord Agnes retired from
Guiding.
Perhaps the strongest part of her character was seen in the dedication
she had to the love of her life, Blair. Times were not always easy,
but she believed marriage was an ever-evolving thing. It required work
and was meant to be for life. She thought of Blair and her children
first, and herself last. She was the glue that held the family
together, through the good, and the bad, and was larger than life,
though she never cracked 5 feet tall.
A memorial service celebrating Agnes’ life will be held on Monday, May
24, 2021 at 1 pm from the Tobique Chapel in Plaster Rock. Mr. Kenneth
Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in Burntland Brook
Cemetery.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, a maximum of 60 people are allowed
in the chapel at any given time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home,
Perth-Andover, NB.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Agnes Johnson 19382021..
Death notice for the town of: Plaster Rock, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick