HAZEL ELLEN JOHNSTON

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HAZEL ELLEN JOHNSTON Hazel Ellen Johnston (nee Cheetham), 82, went Home to be with Jesus on September 22, 2007 in Bakersfield, CA. She entered into eternity, surrounded by her family singing Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling. A memorial service was held September 26, 2007, in Bakersfield, with immediate family and Bakersfield friends present. Hazel was born December 4, 1924 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the third child of Walter and Ellen Cheetham. She grew up on the farm, in Oak Bluff, where she helped her family with chores and took care of the animals. Hazel graduated from Grace Hospital School of Nursing in 1948 and began a 26 year career as a surgical nurse. In 1950 Hazel met Robert Johnston. They were married December 1, 1951 and to this union were born three children. Hazel and Bob raised their family while living in Winnipeg, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe and North Vancouver. They retired in Bakersfield and enjoyed travelling and ocean cruises. Hazel was actively involved in the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, All Saints Anglican Church Altar Guild, Kern Co. Scottish Society, Bible Study Fellowship, Phi Epsilon Phi Sorority, and the Orange Co. Chapter of the Celiac Sprue Association. Hazel's family was very important to her. She cherished family gatherings and regular visits to family/friends in Canada. She was a wonderful grandmother, touching her grandchildren's lives in special ways. Hazel loved to knit and was a talented seamstress who taught both her daughters to sew. Her hands lovingly tended flowers in her garden and preserved fruit and vegetables. She took great joy and comfort in God's Word through her Bible reading, devotionals and songs. While ironing, she loved to listen to Christian radio and inspirational music. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ellen Cheetham; brothers, Joseph (Del) Cheetham and John (Jack) Cheetham; sister-in-law, Olive Cheetham; brother-in-law, Peter Braun; niece, Linda and husband, Pat Morann; nephew, Joseph Cheetham; and nephew-in-law, Al Ferguson. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert Johnston; daughter, Nancy Johnston of Bakersfield, CA; son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Linda Johnston of Dallas, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Noreen and Marc McKinney of Anacortes, WA; grandchildren: Angela, Samuel, Naomi, David, Nathan and Lauren; brother, Robert Cheetham; sister and brother-in-law, Elsie and Charles Van Wynsberghe; sisters-in-law: Mary Cheetham, Alice Cheetham and Eleanor Braun; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Memorial and Committal Service will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 2:00 p.m. in Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg. Thomson In the ParK 925-1120 Send expressions of sympathy to www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2008