Helen Campbell Whyte Johnson (née Ferguson), dear wife of Douglas Johnson, aged 89, passed away peacefully on January 29th, 2025. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Helen married Douglas in 1960, and the two immigrated to Canada the following year. After battling breast cancer nearly ten years ago, she expected to enjoy many more years, much like others in her family who had lived into their 90s. She passed as she lived—on her own terms, quietly and without a fuss.
Helen was an independent woman, a pharmacist who loved to organize her many travel adventures with Douglas along with holiday baking for the family where she would put her chemistry to good use. She was also a skilled machine knitter, mastering many types of knitting machines. Even when chemotherapy robbed her of the fine motor skills needed for knitting, she continued to enjoy her monthly knitting club, even attending the most recent one in early January.
Her family will remember her for her sharp mind and her resourcefulness. For nearly 65 years, Helen’s devoted husband, Douglas, took great care of her, ensuring she was able to remain at home until her final days. His unwavering support meant that she was only hospitalized at the very end.
Helen leaves behind her husband, Douglas, their two children Claire (Mario Josipovic) and Stephen, and nine grandchildren: Claire’s children Byron, Brock, Natalie, Evan, and Anastasia; and Stephen’s children Destiny, Sierra, Dakota, and Chase. Her family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by the Telemetry team at Niagara Health – Welland Hospital in her final week.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Helen may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Visitation to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at Lampman Funeral Home on Saturday, February 8th, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., with a service of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. Helen will be missed. She will be remembered for the grace and dignity with which she lived her life.
Dear Douglas,
Anna and I send you and your family our prayers and condolences on the passing of your dear Helen. We will be out of country for Helen’s visitation and service of remembrance, but will have you in mind.
We will see you in March upon our return.
Douglas, my heartfelt condolences on Helen’s passing. She was definitely a strong, interesting woman who shared her opinions and wisdom of experience with me on several occasions. I loved her wicked sideways glances, accompanied by a bit of a smirk when I tried to argue intellectually with her, kind of like an unspoken “are you for real?” Lol. I think you kept each other grounded and wise. Helen was a force of nature, and will be missed. Many hugs to you and your family, my friend.