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June 9, 1923 - November 9, 2020
In Loving Memory ~
Stella Johnson passed away peacefully on the morning of November 9, 2020. She was blessed to have friends and family near to give her support and love up to the end.
Stella will be greatly missed by her daughters, Judy and Carrie; her grandchildren, Wendy, Karl, Ken, Suzanne, David and Debbie; her great-grandchildren, Kendall, Lindsay, Cassandra, Kimberley, Courtenay, Joshua, Ryan, Deryk, Krysta, Sophie, Nikko and Wyatt; and her great-great-grandchildren Landon, Eva, Clayton and Israel.
Stella will also be missed by her relatives in Saskatchewan, her special niece Annie, and great-nephew Skylar, in California and the many friends she made in Keremeos.
"Baba" was born Stanislava Doryk in Poland on June 9, 1923. Stella emigrated from there to Quebec, Canada with her mother and brother Mike when she was 4 years old.
Stella's father had come to Canada prior to their arrival and settled in Saskatchewan. He sent for his family and eventually established a homestead.
Stella married and moved to Cawston, BC in 1946. As well as raising a family, Stella was able to enjoy her passion in life: horses. Farm horses, Arabian show horses and then Sulky harness race horses. She dedicated herself completely.
Stella and her husband, Earl, bought a farm set up for breeding and raising race foals and were successful in raising several winners. Her other interests were gardening, cats and love of all animals in general. She believed once you committed to homing an animal, your first duty is to them. So do your job!
Stella was also first and foremost a hard worker. Building a small shelter and hay barn for her last riding horse, Beau, at the age of 87 with some help from a young friend.
At the age of 90, Stella was recognized as the oldest rider on the Make-A-Wish Foundation charity ride and her efforts raised the most funds for children. She rode horses until 94 years old.
Stella was predeceased by her infant sister Emily, parents Bill (Wasyl) and Anna, and younger brothers, Mike and Edward. She was devastated when she lost her eldest daughter and riding companion, Juanita. A few years later, her husband Earl passed.
Sadly, we have lost Stella at the age of 97. She was the last of her generation in our family. There is a wound where once there was a heart. She was a true original.
A celebration of life and service will be held at the Cawston Hall starting at 12:00 Noon on Saturday June 25, 2022.
Please join us if you knew Stella and would like to share in the celebration.

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 25, 2022
12:00 PM
Cawston Hall 2119 Main St, Cawston


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