Carla Johnson (nee Elsner)

March 18, 1971 – Frankfurt, Germany

June 29, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Carla Ann Johnson (nee Elsner) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the age of 54 years.

She was born on March 18, 1971, in Frankfurt, Germany, to Ann and Karl Elsner. Her parents have fond memories of her first birthday spent in Athens, Greece and remember her lovingly in a little blue jacket with a yellow woolly hat. She enjoyed trips back to Europe to travel and visit family.

Carla earned her degree from the University of Calgary and spent much of her life in Alberta. She will be remembered for her sharp sense of humour, her gift for storytelling, and her love of a good laugh. With a big heart and an easy warmth, Carla had a natural way of connecting with others—especially young children, with whom she shared a special bond. She was a bright light.

She is survived by her daughters, Grace and Abigail Johnson; her parents, Ann and Karl; her sister, Kirsten; and her brother, Kai, along with his wife Deanne and their daughters, Mattea and Penelope. She will also be fondly remembered by countless friends whose lives she touched over the years.

A Private Celebration of Carla’s life will be held in her honour with close friends and family.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 955-8818, www.childrenshospital.ab.ca.

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children… to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Carla’s family here.

In living memory of Carla Johnson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.