Charmane Ellen Johnson

Charmane Ellen Johnson, late of Weyburn, SK passed away September 24, 2024 at the age of 81 years.

She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Catherine Thompson; her daughter Wendy Johnson; in-laws, Henry and Alma Johnson; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Charmane is survived by her husband of 60 years, Harvey Johnson, (Weyburn, SK); her children: Keri (Blair) Eddy, (Calgary, AB) and children [Ryder, Allegra]; Adrian (Rebecca Funk) Johnson, (Saskatoon, SK); Lisa (Kevin) Hallberg, (Weyburn, SK) and children [Charlize (Sidney), Brie (Rylan)]; and son-in-law Don Sewards (Weyburn, SK); sister Doris (Tony) Frei; brothers, Doug (Michelle) Thompson, Carmen (Valerie) Thompson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, Harvey’s family, cousins and friends.

Charmane was born December 10, 1942 in Pangman, Saskatchewan, the eldest child of Edward and Catherine (Rose) Thompson. She soon had a brother, Carman (1944), another brother, Douglas (1946), and finally a sister, Doris (1950). Charmane's early years were spent in Khedive and Amulet where her parents ran the telephone office.  She excelled at school, often placing at the top of her class. At fourteen she met Harvey Johnson, and they soon began dating.  Upon graduating from high school Charmane went straight into nursing school.  The local doctor told her the Grey Nun's nursing school produced the best nurses so it was the only nursing school she applied to; because of her good marks in high school, she was accepted.

After graduating from nursing school in 1963 Charmane took a job at the Pangman hospital.  She married Harvey in 1964. They lived and worked in the Pangman area and, briefly, in Trail, BC, before returning to Pangman to start their family. Wendy, their eldest, was born in 1967 followed by Keri in 1968. They bought their farm east of Weyburn in the fall of 1969 and welcomed two more children, Adrian in 1971 and Lisa in 1972. Charmane balanced her busy life as a farm wife and mom with what she felt was her calling to be a nurse. Her nursing career took her to many facilities; Pangman, Trail, BC, Weyburn Union Hospital and the Weyburn Special Care home.  She retired in 2004.  

Charmane enjoyed the farm life and her family but absolutely adored her grandchildren.  She was proud that she was present for the birth of each of her grandchildren. Keri had two children:  Ryder in 1997, and then Allegra in 1999. Lisa had two as well: Charlize in 2004 and Brie in 2006.  In fact, she delivered her youngest grandchild, Brie, in the van as it sped along highway 33 towards Regina. Charmane and Harvey played a large role in their grandchildren's lives.  Charmane and Harvey were happy to live 170 paces north of Lisa, Kevin and their girls. The grandchildren spent countless hours with their grandparents reading books, having tea parties, roasting weiners, baking cookies, making lefse and shoop noodle soup, and riding horses. Ryder and Ally were lucky enough to come from Calgary and spend their entire summer vacation with their grandparents. 

Charmane was a very good seamstress and sewed the graduation dresses for Keri and Lisa as well as the wedding dress for Wendy. She enjoyed quilting and gardening, and took a keen interest in genealogy. Religion played a large role in Charmane's life, and she and Harvey were lifelong members of the Zion Lutheran Church in Weyburn.

Charmane's life was a long and happy one, a meandering path that was shared with her adoring husband Harvey. Her family is grieving but soon will turn to fond and happy memories of their Wife, Mom, and Grandmother.

A Celebration of Life for Charmane was held Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. from the Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, SK with Pastor Victoria Mwamasika officiating. 

Luncheon followed the service at the Zion Lutheran Church (basement).  An interment will be held at a later date at the Pangman Cemetery, Pangman, SK.

For those wishing to attend virtually, please follow the live stream video by opening Charmane’s memorial page on RD Family Funeral Chapel’s website starting at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in Charmane’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, #300 ~ 55 St. Claire Avenue W, Toronto, ON, M4V 2Y7.