Linda Johnson passed on Saturday September 27th at home surrounded by loved ones after a courageous fight against cancer.
She is survived by her mother Violet Neil, daughters Fiona andTiffany, and sister AnneToderean.
Linda was born in Nanaimo in 1945 and began a career teaching elementary school at the age of 19 after completing her teaching certificate at the University of Victoria. Her sister Anne, 12 years younger than her, was lucky to be one of her fourth grade students at Departure Bay Elementary School in 1963.
Linda had a family with her University sweetheart, David Bowie, and lived overseas in Europe and Saudi Arabia. In 1980, Linda returned to Canada with her daughters and taught at various schools in Nanaimo. The schools she taught at included Hammond Bay Elementary School, Gabriola Elementary School, Princess Royal, Ladysmith Elementary School, and then at Forest Park Elementary for ten years. During this time she met her second husband, Peter Johnson, and the two of them enjoyed building their dream home overlooking Piper's Lagoon, traveling to Mexico frequently, and listening to music together until Peter passed in 2005.
Linda retired in 2006 from teaching. She spent much of her time gardening on her patio and cultivating container plants. She made frequent trips to the Seattle/Tacoma area in Washington State to visit with her daughters families and her three grandchildren. Her loyal companion, Quinn, was always close by her side.
Linda was loved by the parents, staff and students at the schools she taught at. She will be missed dearly by her family, friends and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Her heart always went out to all of the young victims of this tenacious disease who deserved a chance at a long healthy life.