Obituary of Patricia Blanche Johnson

September 5, 1937 – Drumheller, Alberta

January 20, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Blanche Johnson of Calgary, AB, on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Pat was born to Mel and Hazel Johnson in Drumheller, AB, and spent her childhood in the nearby village of Morrin, AB, which provided her with a fascinating assemblage of colourful personalities and cherished memories. She returned to Morrin for reunions throughout her life and frequently shared tales of the wonderful people she had known, and the good times she had enjoyed there.

Pat completed high school in Drumheller, living with her grandparents, whom she adored, and furthered her education by training as a nurse at Calgary's Holy Cross Hospital. She later attended the University of Alberta, where she specialized in Public Health.

Pat loved nursing, as well as the opportunities it gave her to nurture lifelong friendships and to work in a variety of hospitals and clinics in various locations. She enthusiastically pursued her career in Drumheller, Stettler, Montreal, and Calgary, where she served in her final role as a travel clinic nurse.

Fittingly, Pat was an avid traveller herself and took many journeys to locations throughout North America, South America, and Europe. One of her favourite trips was to Føyno, Norway in 2017, where she was united with her cousins Sigmund Føyen and Nils Olav, as well as other family members. Her Norwegian family received her with great enthusiasm, welcoming her to her father's ancestral homeland with open arms. She forever held Norway close to her heart.

Pat also enjoyed singing, which she performed in Calgary's Multicultural Choir for many years, as well as hiking. With her friend Shirley Black, she founded a hiking group of friends who, for decades, explored beautiful destinations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains each week in the summer and fall.

On June 2, 2001, Pat married William (Bill) Kenney, beginning a fulfilling new chapter of her life. She and Bill happily shared their lives and embarked on many wonderful adventures together.

Pat was predeceased by her parents, her older brother Gerald, and numerous kitty cats, all of whom she loved. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill; Bill's daughters, MaryAnn Kenney (Rob) and Maureen Mcintosh (Dorin); her beloved cousins Arden Launer, Rod Clifton, Gary Clifton, and Del Smith, and their families; and many dear friends, including Wendy Drozdzik, Shirley Black, Darol Fonteyne, Terry Smith, Bev Walters, and Carol Shaw.

Pat's family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Morse and the staff members at Palliative Home Care and Rosedale Hospice for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank Pat and Bill's West Hillhurst neighbours for their numerous acts of kindness throughout Pat's cancer journey, and always.

Family and friends will raise our glasses to Pat at a private event at a later date. Skål!

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Pat’s family here.

In living memory of Patricia Johnson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.