Obituary of Gladys Wilma Johnson

Gladys Wilma Johnson was born on March 29, 1932 in Provost, Alberta to parents, Frank and Lettie Kastler and was their only child. She grew up on the farm in the Cadogan area. After her father passed away in 1942, her mother had to sell the farm to be able to make a living for the two of them. They moved several times between Provost and Amisk with stops in between. In her earlier years, Gladys worked in a grocery store and at various jobs until she first married. In 1950, Gladys married Arthur Fossen. They lived on a farm in the Czar area. Their daughter Patricia Lynn was born in February 1951 during a snow storm. In July 1954, Linda Mae was born. In 1956 the family was able to purchase their own farm at Amisk. Over the next eleven years they farmed, grew a big garden, added cattle and even added more land and were able to take a couple of holidays. In 1968, Arthur had become ill and was battling cancer. He lost his battle and passed away on December 31, 1968. In July 1971, Gladys married Enar Johnson of Amisk, the same year that Patricia married Albert England. She became a grandmother for the first time, when Melissa was born in 1976 and Travis in 1979. Over the years Gladys was actively involved in the Amisk community. She was a member of the Auxiliary of the Legion. She wrote weekly news articles for the local papers and canvassed for several societies. She really enjoyed working with the Hardisty Hospital Auxiliary and being on the board. Some of her hobbies included oil painting, knitting, sewing, latch hooking, baking and cooking – she was always trying new recipes. Once retirement came along, she and Enar travelled to Arizona, Yellowstone National Park, camping across Alberta and British Columbia and many more places. Family gatherings were very important to both of them. As her and Enar began to age, they made the decision to move to Wetaskiwin. Covered car port and no snow to shovel or grass to cut, helped make the decision easier. The area had a lot of heritage and many activities to investigate at a much slower pace after years of being busy. After Enar’s passing in 2008, she remained in Wetaskiwin until 2013. Gladys spent her final years at the Provost Long Term Care Facility and was well looked after by the caring and compassionate staff at the facility. Gladys passed away at the Provost Health Centre - Long Term Care on May 11, 2020 at the age of 88 years. She will be remembered by her daughter, Linda Fossen; son-in-law, Albert England; grandchildren, Melissa (Greg) Poirier and Travis (Melonie) England; great-grandchildren, Kayleb and Harmonie England; as well as her extended family and friends. Gladys was predeceased by her first husband, Arthur Fossen; second husband, Enar Johnson; and daughter, Patricia. A Private Family Graveside will take place at the North Cadogan Cemetery with Pastor Paul McCormick Officiating. If you would like to plant a tree in the local cemetery, please contact GFH directly at 780-753-2332