Jean Theresa (Swiney) Johnson

After a brief illness, Jean Theresa Johnson (nee Swiney) passed away peacefully on October 12, 2023 at the Southampton Hospital with her daughter by her side in her 86th year.  

Lovingly remembered by her husband, Johannes (Hans) Verkruisen, daughter and son-in-law Kim and John Hebb and grandchildren Matthew Johnson (Cindy) and Laura Johnson (Justin), both of whom she was extremely proud.  Jean was also Oma to great-granddaughter, Cali Johnson.  Jean will be fondly remembered by Hans’ family in the Netherlands and the Hebb family. Also survived by her son Scott Johnson (Debbie) and grandchildren Dan (Rebecca), Spencer (Maddie) and Sadee.  

Jean and Hans relocated to Port Elgin in 2017 to be closer to Kim and John.  Jean did not have enough good things to say about the friendliness of the residents of Port Elgin.  From passersby who stopped to help with garbage and recycling; people who offered to help Jean load groceries; Tim Wibley of the hot dog truck at Canadian Tire who delivered Jean’s order to the car on more than one occasion, Jean thoroughly enjoyed her time in Port Elgin.  The family would like to express their appreciation to Bonnie Balogh; Jean could not have asked for a more helpful and caring neighbour than Bonnie.

Jean will be remembered for many things; most notably her strong sense of independence, wit, love of sports, her peanut butter cookies and 5-Cup Salad, which showed up on every holiday table and her love of reading.  Although she did not appreciate the appeal of reading until she was in her 70’s she certainly made up for lost time logging well over 250 books.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff and participants of the Port Elgin Day Away Program.  She looked so forward to attending twice a week where she laughed, enjoyed camaraderie and played spirited games of euchre.  This program provided Jean with such an important element of socialization for which her family is forever grateful.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hughes, Dr. Billings and all the staff at the Southampton Hospital who provided Jean with such kind and compassionate care.  

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter.