It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of Johanna Elbers-McKenzie, on March 15 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was incredibly brave throughout her painful and debilitating illness, and never let it define her. Johanna was born in Orillia, the eldest of four to Gerardus and Catharina Elbers, immigrants from Holland. She studied nursing in Toronto and enjoyed a successful career helping others. This devotion to helping others extended to her family. She was an amazing mother: Loving, caring, encouraging, believing, and celebrating her children’s achievements. She took care of her late husband throughout his illness from cancer, honouring the pact of “Team McKenzie”, and cared for her mother in her later years. Johanna had a lifelong love of literature and could easily finish a novel in one day. She cherished family time together and enjoyed preparing traditional Dutch recipes. An animal lover, she always had at least one dog in the house.
Loving mother of Laura (Joshua) and Cameron (William), and grandmother of Owen. She will be missed by her siblings: Morris, Mary Anne, and Frank, her many nieces and nephews, and other family and friends. We love you, Mom!

The family would appreciate donations in Johanna’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca