Margaret Wellington Johnson

Margaret Wellington Johnson, 85 years, of Edmonton, passed away peacefully on August 22nd, 2025 at the University of Alberta Hospital.
Cherished daughter of Arthur and Vieno (Jacobson) Johnson, predeceased. Loving sister of Vieno Mary (Johnson) Skerl, James Johnson (Carol), and Douglas Johnson, predeceased. Beloved aunt of Susannah (Jason and Pixel Elliott) and Allison (Eric Yorke), and dear friend to Joan Groff and the Groff family, Mary Amerasinghe, Margaret Brackstone, Coral Speer, Marilyn Verbitsky, Julie-Anne Le Gras and Theresa Warenycia.

Margaret was a devoted educator, mentor and community organizer whose commitment to creating a better society was reflected in her daily work in academic spaces, as well as her decades of contributions to political organizing and volunteer work. Born in Sudbury, Ontario, she excelled in academic and athletic pursuits during her early years. After high school, she pursued a B.A. at Sir George Williams University in Montreal, Quebec. Continuing her studies in Edmonton, she received a B.Ed. and Diploma in Educational Psychology, then M.A. – Community Development at the University of Alberta. An extensive teaching career followed, including grade school, high school and counselling roles with a focus on career development.

Margaret would spend summers at the family cottage on Black Lake, enjoying swimming, saunas, and bantering with her nieces Su and Allison about politics, Canadian history, and global affairs. They would wait excitedly for her arrival, running out to meet her orange Volkswagen camper van after the long drive from Edmonton to Sudbury. She loved to travel, with Joan joining her on regular trips to Vancouver. Great-niece Pixel would ensure there was always a new, interesting restaurant for them to try out, followed by live jazz concerts. On their last visit this July, Margaret shared book recommendations with Su and Pixel and had a deep conversation with Jason about the impacts of AI on society – she was always learning, always curious. Margaret was a loyal, dedicated friend who enjoyed spirited discussions, and will be remembered for her kindness, jovial laugh, and keen wit.

Friends are invited to join us for a celebration of Margaret’s life and to observe the interment of her ashes in the memorial garden at St. Luke’s Anglican Church to be held at 10 a.m. on October 4th, 2025 at 8424 95 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 3E1.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Edmonton Food Bank in Margaret’s memory.