J. UNA JOHNSTONE

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J. UNA JOHNSTONE November 11, 1910 - December 21, 2014 It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of J. Una Johnstone (nee Gray) at the age 104. She is predeceased by husband William (Bill), daughter Penelope (Penny), parents Jeannie and John Gray and is survived by cousin David, his wife Gloria and daughter Jennifer. She also leaves behind her many Wildwood friends and neighbours. Born Jean Una Gray, in Ottawa, the Gray family moved to Manitoba when she was two, and resided on Gertrude Ave. Later on in high school, she was accompanied by her friend/neighbour Marshall McLuhan. The name Una, meaning "One", had been chosen from a book her mother had loved and Una was proud to substitute it's use over "Jean". Una's huge library is a testament to her life of reading, yet even in her 90's, emails and "letters to the editor" prove she didn't hesitate to adopt technology. Education was a strong point for Una and she took great pride in her schooling at St. Mary's Academy, becoming their oldest alumni. She attended the University of Manitoba, taking Science, where few women were enrolled at the time. Her passion for plants, reading and animals was a constant throughout her life. At University, she met Bill, a budding commercial artist, who later become her husband. The couple moved pre 1950, into the "newer" Wildwood Park Development, where up until her death, she treasured the green space and her house, which allowed her to maintain her precious sense of independence. Their daughter Penny, who was mentally handicapped from birth, captured their spirit of making a change. They worked tirelessly to ensure that their daughter lived in a peer environment with similar children. They formed associations, grouping with other parents to aid in supporting the Manitoba Developmental Centre in Portage La Prairie, where Penny would reside until her death in June of 2014. Una's work at Fort Garry Travel, allowed her to spread her wings and travel a good portion of the world. She had a passion for travel, reading, and politics; as well as a wonderful sense of humour with the wit and intelligence to stimulate conversations inspiring others to think and to laugh. Una is and will be deeply missed. The family wishes to thank Una's wonderful friends but especially her loyal, conscientious care giver, Kerry, who made her life a joy, by encouraging, loving, supporting and stimulating Una throughout her aging years. A Memorial Service to celebrate Una's life will be held 11:00 a.m., May 16, 2015, in the Chapel at St. Mary's Academy, 550 Wellington Crescent. Food and refreshments to follow. Flowers are declined.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2015