EVELYN ELIZABETH JOHNSTON

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EVELYN ELIZABETH JOHNSTON With great sadness, we announce the peaceful death of our beloved mother and matriarch, Evelyn, at the Great War Memorial Hospital, Perth, on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the age of 96. She is survived by her sons Brian (Barb) Johnston and Jim Kuzych; grandsons Adam (Shelly), David (Tina), Khorlo, and Sean; granddaughters Maria, Naira and Shelley (Michael); and five great-grandchildren Freya, Jasmine, Louise, Jack and Lucas. She was predeceased by George, her husband of 57 years (August, 1997) and her son Lorne Johnston (April, 2017). Born Evelyn Tottle on February 10, 1921 in Winnipeg, she was the youngest of five siblings. Growing up, she was very active in sports (track and field and basketball) and attended Daniel McIntyre High School where she met George. They both went on to graduate from Success Business College in Winnipeg. They were married in Vancouver in 1940, shortly after George had enlisted in the R.C.A.F. Posting to several Canadian bases followed which included a three-year stint in Zweibrucken, Germany, as the family grew. Mom excelled in providing for her three boys (cooking, a specialty) as well as developing a full-time career with the federal government. She worked as an executive secretary at the Experimental Farm in Ottawa and later when they moved to Winnipeg in 1964, where she joined the Canadian Board of Grain Commissioners. Retirement brought them back to Ontario, settling near Perth, to be closer to the sons and their families. They enjoyed world travel over the years and kept active with bridge, square dancing and golf. Unfortunately, soon after George passed away in 1997, she developed shingles which progressively left her less able to walk. But her cheerful demeanour, dry wit and clear mind endured to the end. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. After cremation, a memorial service will be held at Lanark Lodge in Perth on Saturday, December 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Her remains will be interred beside George and their favourite dog 'Dolly' at Brookside Cemetary in Winnipeg in early May, 2018. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Lanark Lodge, 511 Christie Lake Road, Perth, ON K7H 3C6. A final thanks to the doctors and all her caregivers that provided for Evelyn's comfort in later life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2017