Rhoda Marvelle Johnson (née Bauer)

August 31st, 1932 - February 2nd, 2024

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Oh, these golden rays of sunset
That mark the end of day,
They paint a wondrous picture
As the last beams fade away.
It’s a picture that no artist
In the form of mortal man
Could ever paint … it has to be
The work of the Master’s Hand.

 ~ Ruby Bauer ~

Rhoda “Sandy” Johnson was born of German and English heritage in Calgary, Alberta on August 31, 1932.  Her father, Paul Bauer, came from a long line of successful farmers and her mother, Ruby, trained and practiced as a nurse.

Growing up as the second oldest of 5 children on an Alberta farm during the Great Depression, Rhoda was given work and childcare responsibilities at an early age.  She quickly proved herself to be a hard-working and caring person, someone who could be depended on to maintain a positive outlook and do a job well.  After high school, she decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a nurse.  She attended Loma Linda University in California and did her practicum at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster BC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1955 and immediately following, accepted a nursing position at the hospital in Prince George, BC. 

While living and working in Prince George, Rhoda met her future husband, James Calvert Smeaton “Jim” Johnson and acquired the nickname “Sandy”.  They married in 1956 and moved to Calgary AB where sons Terry and Leigh and daughter Cathy were born.  Following a few years in Victoria BC, the family moved to Brampton ON where daughter Donna-Lynn was born. Rhoda continued her work in nursing in Brampton for several years. The family eventually settled in Oakville ON, where Rhoda worked several jobs, including Office Manager for the Addiction Research Foundation. 

Throughout her life, Rhoda was an avid nature lover, traveler, and beachgoer.  Some of her most relaxing and memorable times were spent walking barefoot in the sand, combing beaches for seashells and other treasures in places like Bradenton Beach Florida.

Upon retirement, Rhoda, Jim and daughter Donna-Lynn moved to Abbotsford BC which is where she passed away on February 2, 2024 at the age of 91.

Rhoda’s legacy is one of pride, caring and kindness.  She was predeceased by siblings Gwen, Eldon and Gerry, and husband Jim.  She is survived and dearly missed by sister Shirley, sons Terry and Leigh, daughters Cathy and Donna-Lynn, grandchildren Amanda, Michelle, Devon, Shaina, and Cory, and great-grandchildren Korey, Nyah, Amber, and Layla. 

Rhoda was laid to rest in the presence of family members on February 12, 2024.

Mom,
You were the light of our lives, the pillar of our strength,
the source of our joy.
You raised four children with love and care
and taught us how to be kind, compassionate, and resilient.
You worked as a registered nurse and
dedicated your life to helping others in need.
You loved your cats, animals, cooking meals from all over the globe,
and working in your gardens.
You had a beautiful smile, a warm heart, and a generous spirit.
You lived a long full life and you will never be forgotten.
You live on fully in our memories, in our hearts, and in our souls.
You are our angel, our inspiration, our hero.
We love you, mom, and we miss you more than words can say.
Rest in peace, Mom
and know that you are always with us.

~ Terry, Leigh, Cathy & Donna ~