Adelle (Del) Mable Johnson
Obituary
Adelle Mable Johnson, affectionately known as Del, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, in Emerson, Manitoba.
Born on July 25, 1959, in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Del’s life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and the simple joys that come from a life well-lived.
Del was a spirited soul, whose laughter and thoughtful nature touched everyone she met. She was the beloved daughter of the late Mable Shiells and Ameda Houle. Her warmth and humor will be deeply missed by her brother Jacob Empey-Young and his wife Dawn Davey, her sister Grace Miskimins, and her cherished nieces and nephews: Michelle George and her husband Aaron, Barry Hotson and his wife Jillian, Katelyn Wingrove and her husband Colin, Nicole Empey-Davey, and her adored great-nieces and nephews Lexy George, Benjamin George, Nathan Hotson, Bryce Hotson, Audrey Wingrove, and Neville Wingrove. Del’s life was also shared with her estranged husband, Leon Johnson, and a menagerie of beloved fur babies, including Willow, Axle, Shadow, Lucy, Marley, Merlin, Rainbow, Weasley, Betty, Cosmo, Herbie, Molly, Feathers, Alice and many more who were fortunate to experience her boundless love for animals. There was a crowd at the Rainbow Bridge waiting to welcome her.
A graduate of RCVS in 1977, Del furthered her education at Sault College and Sir Sanford Fleming. Del found her calling in Customs Brokerage, a field where she excelled and eventually retired from Cole International after nearly two decades of dedicated service. Her work, often conducted from the comfort of her home, was a source of pride and fulfillment.
Del’s interests painted a picture of a woman who found beauty in the everyday. Her love for the sun, long baths, flowers, and fairy gardens was matched only by the joy she found in her yard full of animals. She spent countless hours on her swing, watching sunsets, and playing with her nieces, nephews, and pets. Her “little house on the prairie”, with its giant fenced yard, was her sanctuary and a place of endless happiness.
Described by those who knew her best as funny, thoughtful, and spirited, Del’s presence was a gift to all. Her life was a testament to finding contentment in the simple things and the importance of nurturing relationships with family, friends, and all living creatures.
As we bid farewell to Del, we remember her parting words, “Sorry to leave the ones I love… I will miss being me.” Her legacy of kindness, humor, and an unwavering spirit will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Adelle’s journey through life was a reflection of her beautiful soul, and she will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
