JOHANNA SEVERTSON

1919 - 2001

Johanna Severtson, beloved wife of the late Mag Severtson, passed away in Taber on Monday, June 18, 2001 at the age of 81 years.
Johanna was born the eldest daughter of Erik and Abigail Odland on September 20, 1919 in Varhaug, Norway. In 1929, seven months after her father immigrated to Canada, Johanna, along with her mother and four siblings, followed. Mag and Johanna were married on September 25, 1939, and made their first home in the Sundial area. In 1944 they moved to the Stone Lease area where they bought irrigated land. While living on the farm, Johanna drove school bus. She tended a large garden nurturing different varieties of vegetables and flowers. She was a founding member of the Busy Bee Club. Several winters were spent in Taber where Johanna worked at the Taber Cafe, Petrie’s Pantry and Sunalta Potato Plant. In 1968 Mag and Johanna made permanent residence in Taber where Johanna was employed as a supervisor for Barons Eureka until her retirement in 1983. Sometime between volunteering and travel, Johanna found time to knit, cross-stitch, crochet and paint. She enjoyed arts and crafts and always had something on the go. Family and her Norwegian heritage were very important to her. She kept close records of family and family history. Johanna especially enjoyed cooking and baking Norwegian dishes. Being active in the Son’s of Norway Club, the Vauxhall Seniors Club and the Taber Seniors Club kept her busy.
Johanna will be forever remembered by her children Darlene (David) Beler of Taber, Milton (Carol) Severtson of Vauxhall, Carol (John) McNiven of Vauxhall and Sharon (Fred) Brade of Medicine Hat; fourteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; brothers and sisters Christie Hagen, Peter (Joyce) Odland, Erling (Helen) Odland, Alfred Odland, Polly (Joe) Claeys and Arlene (Bill) Tolley; sisters-in-law Alice (Louie) Kowalski, Alma Severtson, Georgette Severtson and Pearl (Ernie) Pontorello and also by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was predeceased by her husband Mag, brother Sam Odland, half sister Malena Maland, six brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, June 20 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 - 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Thursday, June 21, 2001 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Carl Bogda of the Peace Lutheran Church, Taber, officiating. Interment followed in the Enchant Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Johanna’s name can be made directly to the Peace Lutheran Church 4619 - 56 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1G8.