March 25, 1931 - January 14, 2023
Consistent with her name, Fidele was not only a woman of faith but was faithful to her understanding of love and service to others. Fidele Mary Johns (nee Hipwell) had a facility for making everyone feel valued and accepted. This gift served her well during her partnership in ministry with her late husband of 66 years, Rev. Ernest Johns. Beginning with Norwich, they served in Sarnia and Thornhill before finishing their ministry at First Baptist in Owen Sound where they lived for 34 years. After Ernie died in 2015, Fidele moved to Guelph in 2018 to live next door to her daughter Leanne Johns and son-in-law Stan Kozak. She is also survived by: Timothy Johns (Lindiwe Sibeko), Daniel Johns (Patricia), Christine Johns (David Gerrard); grandchildren Nicolas Baird, Amiani Johns, Thomas Kozak (Rebekah), Mise Johns, Nathan Baird, Daniel Baird, Lukas Kozak (Ginger), Rachel Johns, Gabriella Sibeko, Mwanzi Johns, David Baird; great grandchildren Kenneth and Margaret (parents Thomas and Rebekah).
Fidele showed through conversation, hospitality and kindness that she accepted everyone for who they were. Fidele was quietly competent in all things. Family members will be wearing her exquisite hand-crafted clothes and sleeping under her quilts for years to come. She was an excellent baker, cook and gardener. She and Ernie instilled in their children a love of nature and hiking. Well into her 80s she could outwalk most people 30 years younger. She read widely. Even into the last month of her life, she would edit the manuscripts of her children.
Fidele and Ernie grew up in Sault Ste. Marie where they built their first house. Although they moved, they returned to the Sault, staying in a summer cottage they developed on Lake Superior. Fidele visited the lake every summer, including 2022. Members of the family continue to live in the Sault which let her maintain relationships with nieces and nephews. Fidele was the last survivor of her generation on both sides of the family.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Dublin Street United Church in Guelph. Face masks are requested for attendees. A reception will follow. Suggested charities in Fidele's memory are: First Baptist Church, Owen Sound; Dublin Street United Church, Guelph; Bruce Trail Conservancy.