Leone Johannson

1935 - 2022

Leone Margaret Johannson, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, December 19, 2022 at the age of 87 years.

The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

Leone is survived by her husband Baldur Johannson and their children Jason Johannson and Arica (Daron) Jensen; grandsons Cole, Spencer, Carter and Skylar Jensen. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Betty Ann Rydberg, Marsha Rydberg, Grace Fridfinnson and Francis Knippelberg; brother-in-law Irvin (Rosalind) Johannson and by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son Sheldon Johannson; her parents Edwin and Karin Rydberg; brothers Leonard, Clarence (Polly), Glenn and Alvin Rydberg. She was also predeceased by Baldur’s parents Gunnlaugur and Lillian Johannson; brothers-in-law Harold Johannson, Leifer Fridfinnson and sister-in-law Rosalind Sugden.

Leone had many wonderful attributes, two of which that will be missed the most are her dedication to family and service to her community. At a very young age, Leone learned the value of service to one's community. She didn’t stop serving her community until a few short years ago when her health would no longer permit. Over the years, Leone served as a Girl Guides leader, Scout leader, a temporary hockey coach, Sunday School coordinator and was the Canyon Church Camp Chairman (where she was affectionately known as “Mama Bear”). She also served on the Taber Food Bank board for many years and always helped organize the Christmas hampers, ensuring there were enough presents to go along with the hampers. Perhaps one of her greatest accomplishments was serving Taber Special Needs in many different capacities for more than thirty years.

Even with all of her commitments to different organizations within her community, Leone’s greatest commitment was to her family. She lobbied the government long and hard to help get the first Taber Special Needs residence (North Res) built for her son and other clients of TSN. Not a day went by that Leone didn’t visit with her son and others living with him (where she was affectionately known as “Mrs. J”). As grandkids came along, she was always there to lend a helping hand, whether it was taking each of her grandkids to the parent preschool program or helping out at kindergarten. If she was needed, she was there. As her grandchildren grew a little older she never missed a (home ice) hockey game or music recital! Her grandchildren were truly her pride and joy!

"While we are so saddened to see her go, we can only imagine how joyous her reunion with her son Sheldon was!”

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Leone’s name may be made directly to Taber Special Needs Society, 5206 - 47 Avenue (Box 4912), Taber, Alberta T1G 2E1.

Special thanks to the staff at Clearview Lodge and Linden View over the last few years.