2 September 1960 - 20 October 2024
On October 20, 2024, Johanna passed away peacefully holding the hand of her husband, Dave. She joins her mother, father (Anna & Martinus), and sister Maria “Ria”. She is survived by her husband David Curry of 35 years. Her daughter Nicole. Her sister Diena (Laurence) and brother John (Carol). Her nieces and nephews Vernon, Geoff, Steve (Amanda), Marty (Connie), Andy (Erin), Dave (Anseh), Sherie (Pat), Catherine (Trevor), and Andrew (Kylee). As well as her many great nieces and nephews Josh (Quinn), Clark, Rylie, Eli, Martina, Sophie, Navid, Bodhi, Nolan and Kohen.
Born September 2, 1960, on St Joseph Island and grew up on the family farm in Richards Landing. She and her siblings would have to help around the farm and this is where she learned to work hard and to love gardening. When she grew up and moved away she would still maintain a couple of rows in her mom's vegetable garden. She also loved science and was fortunate to have a high school teacher who fostered her love of chemistry. With that, she went on to the University of Western Ontario to study organic chemistry. It was there that she made lifelong friends who she would eventually work with. She came back home and moved to the Sault and got a job at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre “Bug Lab” in 1986. She worked in the soil chemistry lab. While there she met her husband Dave. They truly are soulmates and make one believe in such a thing. They never fought or bickered in all their years together. They had something very special few are lucky enough to experience.
Her favourite pastime was gardening. She loved to be out in her gardens playing in the dirt. So getting to play with dirt all day at work was a perfect fit for her. When she retired she joined the horticultural society, the board at the Sault Museum and the Friends of the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. She began to take care of the boulevard garden on East St next to the Sault Museum three years ago. This past year although she couldn’t take care of the garden she supervised her husband as he worked.
She was tough as nails, never afraid to get her hands dirty. She battled cancer for years and didn’t go down without a fight. But the cancer snuck up at the end and won. We offer our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the staff in the 3B unit of Sault Area Hospital and to the staff and volunteers at ARCH.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations in her name to the Sault Ste. Marie Museum at 690 Queen St E. or online
Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St E 705-759-2522)
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life at a later date. If you have any photos or memories of Johanna please share them here so the family can add them to their tribute video.