Several families are dealing with a pain no parent should ever have to face, after two young girls died on Sunday in Sylvan Lake in central Alberta.
One of the girls was 13-year-old Olivia Dawn Johnson from Red Deer, and the other was a 12-year-old girl from Sylvan Lake.
“The hole Olivia has left in our hearts and in our lives is enormous, and our family is still trying to come to terms with the reality of not having her bounce into the house, spunky and smiling,” the family said in a statement to Global News on Thursday.
The family said the teenager was a compassionate soul, always generous with her kindness and caring for others. She loved to laugh, and her sense of humour was contagious, often making others laugh right along with her, the family said.
“Olivia was a talented young woman with a bright future ahead of her. She was a skilled painter, loved hanging out with her friends, and most of all, made the world and our family brighter.”
Those who knew her said she was a gift, and even after her passing, she continues to be a leader in the community.
For several years, she was a member of the Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe, which this week came together to celebrate her life with a traditional Indigenous ceremony such as a smudge, songs, dance, drumming and prayer.
Dance troupe staff posted a tribute to the teenager, saying their hearts, thoughts, prayers and best energy were with the Johnson family at this time.
“In the midst of this heartache, Olivia continues to be a light and leader for our families and youth. We will miss her Kokum energy and beautiful smile deeply.
FULL STORY: https://globalnews.ca/news/9622178/sylvan-lake-deaths-olivia-dawn-johnson/
