Johanne Gadaire Bourgeois

Johanne Camille Gadaire Bourgeois passed away on July 10, 2020 at the age of 83. She was born September 17, 1936 in Olga, North Dakota to Ulysses and Eva Gadaire. Johanne married her beloved husband of 38 years, Jules, in December of 1958, who preceded her in death in 1996.

Johanne’s education was a constant throughout her lifetime. She began her lifelong teaching career in 1954 at the age of 18 in Olga, North Dakota in a one-room schoolhouse. In 1959, she graduated with a double major from the University of the Pacific.  In 1988, Johanne received a master’s degree in Applied Psychology from Santa Monica University. Her spiritual teaching and counseling work began at the Huntington Beach Church of Religious Science in 1986, and she continued to build an incredibly successful career lasting over 30 years. She also became a Certified Bereavement Counselor in 1999.

Teaching, counseling, and helping others were her calling, her passion, and her life’s work. She would say teaching was the reason she was put on earth.

Johanne was mother, mentor, friend, and an amazing teacher of teachers. She has been called a legend in her own time. Her authenticity and passion were her greatest gifts. The impact she had on so many lives is immeasurable. She will be greatly missed.

Beloved mother, Johanne Bourgeois, leaves behind her two daughters, one son and their families: Chantal (Tim) McBride, Jules (Jennifer) Bourgeois, and Aubri (Chris) Kaesman, and her 6 grandchildren, Andrew, Alexandra, Ian, Gabrielle, Christian, and Easton.

A funeral is not possible at this time due to state restrictions relating to COVID-19. The family intends to host a funeral mass for Johanne once these restrictions have been lifted.

In lieu of flowers, please click HERE to make a memorial donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in her honor.

If you would like to leave the family a message or share a story about Johanne please click on the “Guestbook” link below (from the Luyben Dilday obituary webpage ).

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401