Johnson, Laura Mable 91 Bridgetown formerly of Torbrook Mines, NS, - With sadden hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Laura, of Mountain Lea Lodge and formerly of Torbrook Mines on Sunday, January 5, 2014. Mom was the daughter of the late Norris and Florrie (Pooley) Banks and the last surviving of her immediate family. She is survived by her daughters, Carol (Richard) Denton, Kingston, NS, Susan (Roy) Balcom, Grande Prairie, Alberta and son, Michael (Judy) Johnson of Squmish, BC; grandsons Troy Denton, Moncton, NB and Trevor Denton, Fort McMurray, Alberta; Chris (Kelly) Balcom, Morinville, AB, Scott Balcom, Grande Prairie, AB, Andrea, Danny and Nichols Johnson, Alberta and granddaughter-in-law, Sandra Denton, Edmonton, AB. Great grandchildren, Emily and Nathan Denton, Moncton, NB; Ocean and Jordan O'Neill, Athabasca, AB; Kathleen Balcom, Dartmouth, NS; Riley and Ryder Balcom, Morinville, AB; Cole, Connor and Liam Balcom, Grande Prairie, AB and great grandchildren, Landon and Khloe Robicheau, Athabasca, AB and Alexandra O'Neill, Athabasca, AB. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Philip Johnson (Janaury 5, 2012) her parents, Norris and Florrie Banks; sisters, Maude, Jessie, Merna, Florence, Grace and brothers, Willis and Laurie and grandson Matthew Denton. She was born on June 13, 1922 in her parents' home and lived there her entire life. After marrying Dad in 1944 she remained in her family's home raising their children until she became a resident at the Island View Care Unit in the Digby Hospital and then Mountain Lea Lodge. Mom had a green thumb and loved to spend time in her vegetable and flower gardens and the house was always full of beautiful, flowering house plants. No one could find four leaf clovers as fast as she could. She loved to be outside and enjoyed all their camping trips to so many of the local Provincial Parks. Her home was her castle and she enjoyed being a stay at home mom and her pride showed in her decorating skills and lawn work. Mom loved animals, especially her beloved German Shepherd dogs, Valiant and Duke and her many yellow haired cats. Mom loved to bake and there was always a pot of tea on the stove. On special occasions, Christmas, Easter and birthdays, the house was always full of family and friends and Mom was an excellent hostess. Mom was well respected in her home community and volunteered many hours raising funds for the Torbrook Mines United Church, of which she was a member since a young girl. For many years she also volunteered at organizing the weekly card parties raising money for their local community hall. Many heartfelt thanks to the passionate staff at the Valley View Care Unit, which was her first home away from home, for the wonderful care she received while a resident there and to the staff at the Mountain Lea Lodge for their unconditional love and excellent care shown to her until her passing.Visitation will be held from 10:00AM until service time at 11:00AM Thursday, January 9, 2014 at the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, (902- 825-3448) with Rev. Bill McLeod officiating. Interment will be in the Torbrook Mines United Church Cemetery. Donations in Mom's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia or Mountain Lea Lodge. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com