Grace (Cowie) Johnson
The family of Grace Arvena (Cowie) Johnson are saddened to announce her passing on July 16, 2023 at the age of 93.
Grace was born to Mae and Ernie Cowie on September 25, 1929, the seventh child of a family of ten. Grace spent her childhood on the family farm south of Flaxcombe. During her youth, Grace excelled in gymnastics, track and field, curling and softball. Music was an important part of the Cowie family with the family home often filled with dancing music and friends.
After completing high school, Grace ventured off to Saskatoon where she attended Normal School to receive her teaching certification. Grace taught in Anglia, Zealandia and Rosetown. She loved teaching and her students. During her time in Rosetown, she skipped a curling team in playdowns and pitched for the Rosetown ladies’ softball team. A highlight for Grace was pitching as an import for the Milden Mintoettes when they won the provincial championship in 1954.
At a Boxing Day dance in Alsask, Grace met the love of her life – Alan Johnson. They were married July 14, 1956 which marked the beginning of a wonderful partnership that spanned 67 years. They started their life together on the family farm south of Alsask. Grace worked hard in her new role as farm wife preparing delicious meals, tending her garden and beautiful flowers and keeping the farm books up to date. Together they raised three children – Greg, Debbie and Darrin. Grace was a loving and devoted mother and a faithful supporter of all the childrens’ activities. She also continued to curl in many bonpiels and was very involved in community organizations. In 1965, Grace and Al built a new home in Alsask where they remained until 2009 when they moved into a senior townhouse in Kindersley. In later life, Grace and Al wintered at their home in Mesa, Arizona where they enjoyed the many special friendships made there and a new sporting interest for Grace – golfing.
Family was always important to Grace, whether it was her own children or extended family. Her dedication to family extended to her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother where she lovingly embraced each new addition. She took great pleasure hearing about and following all their activities.
Grace will be remembered for her kind heart, lovely smile and strong and determined nature. Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband Alan Johnson; her son Greg (Sue), grandchildren Karla (Vince) Gabruch, great grand-children Genevieve and Dominique, Joe Johnson (Dalina Graham); Erin (Brian) Bryksa, great-grandchildren Braden, Ainsley, Mason and Devynn; daughter Debbie (Sam) Banks, grandchildren Nicole (Justin) Dzuba, great-grandchildren Jayde and Tobin, Amanda (Emmett Harrison), Mitch; son Darrin (Shelly), grandchildren Adam and Connor as well as brother-in-law Wayne Johnson, sister-in-laws Darlene Johnson and Lori Johnson as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life for Grace will be held at the Elks Hall in Kindersley on Saturday, September 23rd at 2:30pm. There will be a hot lunch immediately following the service where all are welcome to stay and share memories. Donations in Grace’s memory may be made to Rose Villa Activity Fund, PO Box 850, Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0.