Elizabeth Nettie (Slywchuk) Johnson

On Friday, February 16, 2018 at the Portage General Hospital, Liz passed away peacefully with her family by her side, at the age of 80 years.

Elizabeth was born Elsie Nettie Slywchuk on June 3, 1937 in Rosthern, SK.  Upon graduation from Wadena, SK in 1955, she moved to Winnipeg, MB where she attended teachers’ college in 1955-56.  This led her to begin her 37-year teaching career in Langruth, MB where she met and later married Arthur Lloyd Johnson. Together they raised one daughter, Lisa.

Liz was respected and admired by all who knew her, including the numerous students who had the privilege of learning and maturing under her care.  Surely, if you were to ask any of those past students, they would tell you that she was a dedicated but tough little lady who expected that same dedication and respect from her students. 

Throughout the years, Liz and Art were avid gardeners.  She with her many flowers; the two of them with their abundant vegetable gardens - never a weed or a crooked row to be found.  Unfortunately due to health issues, Liz’s time in the garden had to come to an end but the pickles, relishes and jams were still lovingly produced.

Liz loved the outdoors and the summer sunshine.  Many will remember the years of camping and companionship at Hollywood Beach with family and friends.  However, Liz could be found traveling back to town daily to make sure the garden was tended to and harvested.  Then, it was back to the beach to prepare the evening meal for the family once Art would arrive after a long day in the hayfield.

Always an avid and expert baker, you would never find Liz without fresh cookies, tarts or cakes to share with family, friends and the community when called upon.  Art can attest to the fact that she was skilled in the kitchen as she was always encouraging him to finish his plate and never finishing hers so he could have just a few more bites.

Her love of crossword puzzles continued even throughout her latest stay in the hospital as she and Art would tackle the daily Free Press puzzle as a team – him with the answers to the puzzle to provide clues if by some odd chance, she was unable to come up with the answers on her own.

Family was very important to Liz with frequent visits with Lisa, Gerry and one of the greatest joys in her life, granddaughter Kelsey. Kelsey could often be found in Langruth, spending time with her grandparents participating in all aspects of their lives and loves and looking upon them both almost as second parents and certainly her first best friends. 

All who knew Liz would attest to her stubbornness (which her family lovingly related to her Ukrainian heritage) and determination.  This is what brought her back home to Art in 2016 following a lengthy and difficult stay in the hospital.  With Art’s dedication by her side daily, she was able to stay at home until sadly during this last hospital stay, she was no longer able to overcome her health issues. 

Liz was predeceased by her parents Emily Wasko and Peter Slywchuk as well as stepfather Valentine Wasko.  She leaves to mourn, her devoted husband Arthur of 58 years; daughter Lisa; son-in-law Gerald and the apple of her eye and other love of her life, granddaughter Kelsey;  three brothers Ed (Rita) Slywchuk, Mike (Nadyne) Slywchuk and Dan (Barb) Wasko and families; brothers-in-law Allan (Joanne) Johnson, Roland (Shirley) Johnson and sister-in-law Linda Hanneson (Bob Smith) and families.  

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