Constance (Connie) Johnson

CONSTANCE (CONNIE) LEONA JOHNSON
(née Chatfield)

With her trademark smile, warmth, and a twinkle in her eye, Connie passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the family she adored. She was 90 years young.

Born February 11, 1935, in Winnipeg, Mom spent her life making friends everywhere she went. She is deeply missed by her daughters Sandra (Darcy), Carla (Darren), and Kelly (Scott); her grandchildren Kirstyn (Colin), Chelsea (Ian), Aly (Derek), Shae (Mady), Devon (Ashley), and Sean; her great-grandchildren Rosie, Theo, Lincoln, Easton, and Lexi; her brother Ron (Diane) and special niece Jayda (Laz) and great nephew, Jensen.   She’s now joyfully reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Harold and her parents, Leona and Bert Chatfield—who are probably already planning the welcome party along with her menagerie of pets who have passed before her. 

Mom’s life was a grand adventure. She worked at Moore’s Business Forms and Chatfield Distributors before teaming up with her brother Ron to create Cargo East on Bannatyne—a little gift shop that grew into a thriving marine supply store.

She met Harold, married him in 1957, and together they raised three daughters, who remained her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

Mom loved to travel—Hawaii, Florida, the Bahamas, Barbados, Hong Kong, Iceland, France, Switzerland, and England   She cruised both the Caribbean and the Pacific to Hawaii, Adventurous by nature, she embraced life fully—even though she couldn’t swim, she happily raised her girls with a backyard pool, took sailing lessons on Lake Winnipeg, and later sailed both its waters and those surrounding the Hawaiian Islands.

Mom and her high school friends formed a women’s group they affectionately called Gab Club, a name that perfectly captured the spirit of their monthly get-togethers and their love to gab.  The idea was simple:  good food, a few cocktails, and a chance to catch up on each other’s busy lives.  What started as a casual monthly gathering became a cherished tradition that lasted over 50 years. 

Mom was a consummate hostess especially on Henderson Highway.  Every summer, she and Dad hosted the much-anticipated annual corn roast, a tradition that quickly became the highlight of the year.  

On many occasions Mom and Dad would invite relatives from out of town to stay the night and they ended up staying a week.  Our best memories are when relatives came to visit from Thunder Bay including our very special cousins, Marni and Stephen, Reita and Bobby. 

Mom and Dad decided in retirement they would start Riverside Bed and Breakfast in East Selkirk which quickly turned into a well sought after holiday destination for many repeat clients. Mom offered the choice of a conventional breakfast or an Icelandic breakfast complete with ponnukokur. The Icelandic breakfast was by far the favourite choice

In later years, Mom became a legend on the Courthouse bus trips to the Shooting Star Casino, where she earned the title of “Mom” to the whole courthouse crew. Moving to The Arbours at Linden Pointe didn’t slow her down—if there was an activity, she was in. If there was a trip, she was on the bus. 

Mom’s magic was simple: she made everyone feel special, welcomed, and loved. Whether you knew her for a minute or a lifetime, she probably made you laugh, offered you a cup of tea (or glass of wine), and somehow convinced you to try something new.

A private family internment has been held.  A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

We are deeply grateful to the Nurses and Resident Aides at The Arbours at Linden Pointe. You made her last 3½ years brighter with your kindness, laughter, and loving care — filling her days with comfort, joy, and dignity.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society in memory of Mom and Dad would be greatly appreciated. Their love for animals was life long, and we take comfort in knowing they are now watching over them all from heaven.

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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