13 Sep OBITUARY Millie Johne February 3, 1940 – July 23, 2019
Mildred Elizabeth Wilson was born in Collingwood, Ontario on February 3rd1940, the eldest of three children. There are photos of her taking care of her siblings, also neighbour children. Her protective, caring gesture towards younger children can be seen early. Millie studied French, German and Latin at the University of Toronto, and earned her teaching certificate.
Before settling into teaching, she went on an adventure to Germany and worked as a translator for the American military. There she met her future husband, Peter Johne, and they came back to Ontario to make a fresh start. He worked as a cook and ran a delicatessen. Millie took care of their two children, Jennifer and Chris. She was also a beloved aunt, going on adventures blackberry-picking and knowing the art of quietly creating great joy with little. During this time she met Dorothee Chambers and learned about biodynamic agriculture and Waldorf education.
The marriage dissolved, but they remained friendly and respectful. Millie moved and taught French and German in a high school in Parry Sound, followed by a time in Waterloo teaching children with learning disabilities. After that school closed, Millie went to Thornhill to study Waldorf education and then went to Ottawa to become one of the founding teachers in the Waldorf School there. She was well-liked and helped many children on their way. Millie took two classes grades one through eight and part of another cycle before retiring.
While she lived in Ottawa she was a faithful participant in the Christian Community services when they were held there.
Upon retiring, Millie moved to Maxwell to join her daughter and was overjoyed at the arrival of her granddaughter Kai.
Millie began to keep bees, and had her own label (thanks to Jennifer!) of “Millie Bees’ Honey.” This hobby lets us glimpse something of her own special gift: she herself could work like a bee– selflessly and mindful of the whole community, dedicated to the centre of “the hive of life.” Millie was humble and caring, creating a future by tending the present with gentle devotion.
She also opened at home a day care for children, and loved them as if they were her own grandchildren.
Once Parkinsons affected Millie’s mobility and steadiness, she had to give up driving and had a few falls. She went to live in a care home for two months, and had one bad fall ten days before she crossed the threshold of death on July 23rd.
Chris and Jennifer built in ten hours the beautiful coffin for their mother, out of wood salvaged from a garage that Millie’s father had built during her childhood.
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