Nancy L. Johnson

JOHNSON, Nancy Lynne (nee Millar) – Born September 23, 1939 passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, following a brief illness at Guelph General Hospital on January 9, 2023 at 83 years of age.

Beloved wife of the late Reverend Ben Johnson (Deceased 2021) for 60 years. Loving and devoted mother of Mark (Keri) and Lynne (Kevin). Cherished grandmother to Taylor (Joe), Braden, Evan, and Jenna.

Dear sister of Edward Millar (late Patricia), she was predeceased by her brothers William Millar (late Beverley), and Robert Millar (late Florence). Sister-in-law of George (late Eleanor), Sylvia (late Grant), Dorette (Gene) and Paul (Joan). Loved by many nieces and nephews.

Nancy had a passion for compassion, for helping people, and she was able to pursue that passion as a Registered Nurse. Nancy attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1960 as the valedictorian of her class. She married Ben in 1961 and supported him for three years until he completed his Bachelor of Divinity degree. Nancy then took several years away from her career to raise her children while Ben served as a minister including one  ministerial charge in Alberta where there was no manse, but rather the accommodation was literally a little shack on the prairie with no running water or indoor plumbing. Nancy remained, always, compassionate and supportive of Ben and her family.

Nancy returned to full-time work as a nurse in 1981 at the Elliott Nursing Home until her retirement in 1999. Nancy was the wife of a minister and while she was a dedicated member of the United Church Women (UCW) group, she also had a wry sense of humour and may have raised a few eyebrows of the more senior UCW members from time to time. Regardless, Nancy was fully accepting and empathetic of Ben’s career which culminated with his retirement from Paisley Memorial United Church in 1996.

One of Nancy’s greatest joys was her family. Nancy could cook, she was a superb baker and cook who loved to host family and friends for dinners, parties, and special occasions. She was a dedicated, loving, and supportive mom and grandma who volunteered and helped at numerous school events, and of course she would joyfully babysit her grandchildren whenever needed. She was always enthusiastic to watch and cheer on her children and grandchildren at their sporting events or dance recitals.

In their many years together Nancy and Ben enjoyed travelling, in addition to a visit to continental Europe they travelled to the United Kingdom on a few occasions, they enjoyed temperate locations (never too hot) so their favourite destination was Bermuda with an honourable mention to Nova Scotia as well. Nancy was proud of her Scottish ancestry, she espoused many Scottish superstitions, but most of all her character reflected that Scottish ancestry: honest, reliable, and compassionate.

Visitation will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com), 206 Norfolk St., Guelph on Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 11am – 12:00pm. A service will follow at 12:00pm. Guests may also attend remotely via Zoom by clicking this link.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada or The Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated.

A tree will be planted in memory of Nancy L. Johnson in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.