Obituary of Monika Johnson
Monika Johnson (nee Lakeit) : March 30, 1953 to February 19, 2018
Suddenly at the age of 64, with family by her side, after a very brief battle with cancer .
Survived by her two children Jay (Kristen) Johnson, Jessica McShane, grandchildren Gray, Weston and Ruby McShane, sister Yutta (Bob) Savoia, niece Andrea (Stephen) Johnston, nephew Ryan Savoia (Jill Potter), sister-in-laws Jayna (Rob) Farragher and Jill (Rob) Foote, and many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by husband Jim (2016), son-in-law Nick McShane (2017), father-in-law Jack (2012), mother-in-law June (2009) and her father Heinz Lakeit (2002).
Born in Vineland and raised in St. Catharines, Monika was a brave, fierce, fearless woman - she cleared a path for herself in life and made the life she wanted, and she lived that life to the fullest, always. Monika had a great sense of adventure and spent some of her young adult years travelling through Europe before returning to St. Catharines, where she was a successful entrepreneur - establishing and operating Party Novelties for over 25 years and was also involved in other family businesses over the years.
Monika was loved and admired by many and she loved her family strongly and endlessly. Monika's generosity was unrivaled and was appreciated by all that knew and loved her - her door was always open and she always had room at the table for one more . To be in her presence was to be surrounded by her incredibly contagious zest for life - Monika lived big, loved big and truly left a little bit of sparkle everywhere she went. Life is messy, complicated, beautiful, and she found reasons to celebrate often.
Monika will be deeply and truly missed by many, but her free and adventurous spirit will live on through her family and the many people whose lives she has touched over the years.
According to Monika’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Monika's life on Sunday March 4th from 1 pm to 5 pm at Wildfire Grill House, 410 Ontario St, St. Catharines. Memorial donations can be made to the Lincoln County Humane Society in Monika’s name.
