Johanna was born on August 2, 1935 in Pouce Coupe, B.C. and passed away on November 27, 2025 in Kamloops B.C. She is survived by her beloved son, Flint Walters (Barb) of Calgary, Alberta.
After completing high school in Dawson Creek, Johanna began a varied career. She worked for a year as a teller at the Canadian Bank of Commerce. Then, she joined the R.C.A.F. serving as an airwoman and an officer. Next, she attended the University of Victoria, where she obtained her teaching certificate. She taught elementary school in Kamloops and Kelowna. Later, she started teaching English as a Second Language. This teaching took her to Macau, China for two years. Then she attended the University College of the Cariboo now Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. Here she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Then she taught English as a second Language at the University.
In retirement, she opened her own tutoring business and volunteered teaching at Immigrant Services.
Johanna was a friend and mentor to those whose lives she touched. She had a special ability to make learning fun and to help people believe in themselves.
She enjoyed many interests including hiking, cross country skiing, reading, sketching, painting, traveling, going to the gym, and visiting with friends.
Johanna felt her life journey was a spiritual one and she had a vision of a better world.
There will be a memorial tea held at the Kamloops Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 3rd at 11:00am. Those unable to attend may honor her in their thoughts and in their own ways.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
6 Tributes
Dear Flint,
How special to speak with you the other day, remembering your beautiful mother together. During her latter years in Kamloops we shared many enriching phone conversations filled with laughter and her unique wisdom. Decades ago, your mom and I sometimes cross-country skied together, but we also enjoyed occasional walks across the fields. One almost otherworldly event will stay with me forever: your mom, Karen Winsor and I went for a walk in Exeter Valley on a warm summer’s day. We sat down on the grass and all three of us fell asleep…and woke up at the same time, as if awakening from a beautiful dream… Your mom will be in my heart for the rest of my days. And my love will be with you and your lovely Barb, forever. Sigridh Kiersch
Our love and condolences to you, Flint and Barb, and to others like us whose lives were invigorated by this amazing woman!
Johanna was a dear friend and “frister” to our mother, Sherry Stewart, and they told many hilarious stories from their ‘girls road trips’ together around the world, including Santa Fe and Macau, where Johanna was teaching then. It’s a testament to Johanna’s adventurous spirit that she lived and taught ESL in Macau. One of so many accomplishments in her long life.
Johanna’s wry sense of humour, hilarious laugh, and big heart will always be remembered by our family.
With much love,
Holly Cecil, (Sherry Stewart)
FLint and Barb-I am so sorry for your loss. TO me, Johanna was a special friend who I met at the Y and at The Pines. WE are both from the „Peace“ – she from
POuce Coupe, me from Dawson Creek. OUr lunches wee rich with conversations. HEr paintings, of which I have two, are rich in artistry. I last saw Johanna in Seotember when she gave me 3 art books so I could learn about charcoal drawing. She was proud of you two and grateful for your loving care. MAy you be comforted with happy memories and knowing that Johanna was okay with this outcome and did not want to linger with no quality of life. TAke care
Dear Flint and Barb,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Love from John and Selene
Hello Flint,
My love is with you. I knew your mother when we served at 100 Mile Lodge together in EDL.
We had many lovely laughs together and great walks. We both had a spiritual
life and your mother was devoted to serving others and making the world a better place. I remember her happy energy. She spoke of you often with great love and pride. Be Well!
Dear Flint and Barb
It has now been a month since your mom passed, and memories of her are still so vivid.
She was always a great confidant and provided wise counsel and always shared great laughs. I am blessed to have many fond memories of her … from our travels to the Gulf Islands to retreats at Birken Forest Monastery to twice going to hear the Dalai Lama in Vancouver. The one time we arrived at an ‘inappropriate’ room booking, and so we cancelled despite knowing the chances of getting another room in downtown Vancouver at that time were slim to none, but Johanna’s response was “Oh well, it will be an adventure”.
Then there was the time when my son locked himself in her bathroom (of course when he was little), and it was quite some time later before either of us realized he was still in there… hearing a wee whimper, Johanna stuck a pin in the door lock to find Jacob crying and embarrassed for not knowing how to open the door.
Then there were the many visits to the White Spot for their salmon on toasted multigrain, and of course always ending the day of errands with a trip to DQ for a Score Blizzard.
I miss her terribly, but I am grateful to have the memories.
She loved you both dearly and deeply.
Grieve gently, knowing that the stories is what will keep her memory alive.
Much love sent to you both