Obituaries

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend Colleen on February 16, 2023 at the age of 88 years. She was a woman of incredible strength, faith, humour, and compassion with a love and dedication for all of her family that knew no bounds. Colleen was predeceased by her parents Iver and Anna Alfstad; daughter Diana Johnson; first husband Perry Johnson, second husband Tony Brezinski; sisters Ruth Binns, Florence Alfstad, Erna Waterton, Martha Dament, Francis Bonneville, Pearl Howe and June Schultz.

Left to celebrate her life and to remember fond memories and warm hugs are her loving children Terry (Jan) Johnson, Kirby (Cheryl) Johnson, Darcy (Darlene) Johnson, Blair (Dawn) Johnson, Dan (Shar) Johnson, Don (Michelle) Johnson, and Beverly Johnson; grandchildren Sean (Kelly), Kyle, Jacqueline (Tim), Chelsea (Tes), Clayton (Michelle), Gordon (Kayleen), Lisa, Cody, Andrea (Tyler), Luke (Kelsey), Wyatt (Emma), Reese (Tyler), Zac (Linda), Carter, Jordan; 12 great-grandchildren; her sisters Eleanor Grainger and Donna (Bob) Cojacar and her brother Dan Alfstad; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Colleen was born in Ogema, SK on January 4, 1935. Her family farmed in the area and she attended Ogema School. Growing up she enjoyed playing ball, curling and music. Many hours were spent singing and taking turns playing the piano, guitar, and violin with her sisters. Colleen met Perry while he was working for Highways in Ogema, and they married in 1953. They had 8 children together and ended up settling in Regina for the remainder of their lives. Together they enjoyed watching sports, travelling, and socializing with family and friends while raising their busy children. Perry passed in 1990, but he forever lived on with Colleen. Colleen stayed active with her children and grandchildren, volunteering for various charities, and playing in a band Country Shades, where she met Tony and married in 1997. They spent 15 winters in Texas playing music, golfing, and socializing with their Westlaco friends, and enjoyed their summers at Sherwood Forest. Tony passed in 2015.

Colleen always loved spending time with her daughter, six sons and daughters-in-law, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was so proud of her family. Colleen spent 63 years in her home and her door was always open for family, friends, and neighbours to come by for a visit knowing they’d be greeted with a warm welcome accompanied by a hug, perfectly timed jokes with a giggle, Hawkins Cheezies and mints. She had 86 healthy years and through the last couple of years showed profound strength through her health battles. The family would like to thank her team of doctors, nurses and the staff at William Booth Grace Hospice for their care.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in St. James United Church, 4506 Sherwood Drive, Regina, SK. A private interment for family will follow in Riverside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in Colleen’s honour can be made to William Booth Grace Hospice William Booth Grace Hopice or to St. James United Church St. James United Church.