Mary Johnson was born in Virginia on Feb 17, 1913 the youngest of 10 children. Left an orphan at an early age she was raised by older brothers and sisters. At age 11 she began working around the neighbourhood for her keep. In 1929 at age 16 she came to Alberta with her sister and brother-in-law. She married her husband Tom March 4, 1930. Together they had 8 children, 3 boys and 5 girls. They farmed and ranched west of Manton, Alberta until 1943 when they bundled up their children and belongings
into a 1928 Model A Ford and came to BC. They lived
fi rst in the Nithi Valley, then moved to Fraser Lake North
Shore then back to Nithi Valley. After her children
were grown Mary worked in the Endako Cafe for a few
years. Then in 1960 she and Tom moved to Vanderhoof
where they built a small home on Bublitz Road. She
worked as cook in logging camps for 7 years then at
the Siesta Motel until 1973 when she retired. Mary
moved back to Fraser Lake in 1983 and lived at the Silver
Birch Lodge for a time. Then she purchased a small
trailer and lived there until she suffered a stroke in June
2007. She was taken to St. John Hospital and then
transferred to the Stuart Nechako Manor where she
passed away April 4, 2008. Mary is survived by her
daughters: Lillian Collins, Violet (Lief) Larson, Elsie
(John) Harder, Anna Leman and Marguerite Nelson. Son: LeRoy (Cathy) Johnson, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Thomas 1963, Sons: Charlie 1984, James (Buster) 1989, Granddaugher
Jeanie Harder 1959, Grandson Patrick Tharnett 1968 and Great Grandson Robbie Larson 1988.