With heavy hearts we regret to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mary Bridget Johnson, on May 24,2026, at her home in Paqtnkek with her family with her after a short battle with cancer. We would like to thank the palliative care team, doctors, and staff of the 3rd Floor of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital for the support they gave her in her final weeks of life.
Mary was not only a mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister, she was a friend to many. Mary had more children than she gave birth to, some of whom referring to her as Mom 2 and Grammie 2.
Mary worked for a brief time at the library at StFX University and at St. Martha’s Hospital as a cleaner in the 90s. She worked in Paqtnkek as a home care worker until she stopped to care for her husband until the day he had passed. Mary was also an avid bingo player, whether it was in person, online, or on radio.
Mary loved her grandchildren wholeheartedly and watched them no matter what. She would rather have them with her than anywhere else. She held a special bond with grandchildren, Jurnee Johnson, Rodrick Johnson, Sierra Johnson, Willam Sullivan, Memphis Johnson, and Maxine Bjornson, having a hand in raising them until she passed. Also, Phoenix Bernard, whom she called her little old lady. She stayed by her side for many weeks helping her in anyway she could before and after she got sick and until the day she left us. Mary taught many of her children and grandchildren to cook and bake, and she taught them some Mi’kmaw over the years.
Mary leaves behind her children, Leslie Paul (Mona Morris), Eskasoni; Wilfred "Willy" Johnson (Belinda), Paqtnkek; Donna Johnson, Paqtnkek; James "Jimmy" Johnson (Crystal), New Glasgow, Mary Margaret Johnson, Paqtnkek, Crystal Bernard (Josh), Paqtnkek; sisters, Connie Basque, Tracey Basque, and Annie Basque, all of Paqtnkek; and Freda Kabatay, Membertou; brothers, Vincent Basque (Sandra) and John "Junior" Basque, both of paqtnkek; 29 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, James "Jumbo" Johnson, her parents, Dorothy and John Basque; grandchild, Bishop Bjornson, and great grandchild, Taylynn denny; sister, Donna Echevarria; brothers, Anthony Basque and Floyd Basque; nephew, Roger Mustafa; and nieces, Kylie Basque and Takisha Googoo.
Visitation will begin on Saturday at 5:00pm at 8 Louis Edward Lane, Paqtnkek, until time of funeral on Monday at 2:00pm in Immaculate Conception Church, Heatherton, with Reverend Dennis Lamey presiding. Burial at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish.