SYBIL ALEDA (SMILEY) JOHNSON

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sybil Johnson at the age of 98.
Sybil Smiley was born Feb. 21, 1917 and grew up in La Vallee, Ont. She trained as a nurse in Winnipeg, Man.
Her sense of adventure and her independent spirit led her to a variety of jobs. She worked as a nurse in northern Manitoba, as a pediatric nurse and as a nurse on the heart transplant team in Vancouver, as well as a nurse in the Red Cross outposts in northern British Columbia.
She finished her nursing career in Fort Frances, Ont. at Rainycrest and La Verendrye General Hospital.
She also worked as a writer, painter, and radio announcer.
Sybil had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, which was expressed in her love of reading, in her writing, and in her career choices. Every new experience was an adventure in learning.
She loved music, was a singer in her younger days, and was an advocate of the theatre. She was very artistic and besides canvas used driftwood, rocks, and many other paintable surfaces as her medium.
She loved beauty and surrounded herself with art in her home, as well as the jewellery she so enjoyed.
She also loved the outdoors and her beautiful garden was an extension of her creative senses. Sybil loved her cabin at the lake and she swam well into her 80s.
Sybil was a people person and loved to socialize. She was a great listener. She loved the occasional beer, travel, meals out, and maintained that everything was tastier with gravy. She was very spontaneous and always open to new adventures.
Sybil had a terrific sense of humour and told great stories. Her Christmas letters were anticipated and enjoyed.
Sybil was a very spiritual person who embraced life and lived each day to the fullest. Her positive outlook and spontaneity of spirit were with her right to the end.
Sybil was predeceased by her mother, Jessie Wall; step-father, Mihlan; son, Jess; and her “adopted kid,” Jim Maxey.
Sybil leaves her many “adopted kids”; numerous cousins; grandson, Chad; great-grandson, Andrew; and many beloved friends to cherish her memory.
As per Sybil’s request, there will be no funeral.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Sybil’s life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to Rainycrest Auxiliary c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com