Lynda JOHNSTON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHNSTON: Lynda Ann Johnston (nee Bailey) passed away suddenly, at age 69, on October 30, 2015 in Minnedosa. Many knew her as ‘Lynda’ and to many she was known as ‘Nan’ – the loving grandmother and great-grandmother to some very special kids, and all their friends. Born to Norman and Muriel Bailey, Lynda was the fourth youngest of nine children. Her early years were spent at Lady Humble in Swan River, later attending Neelin High School in Brandon. Lynda and Wally met in junior high; it was love from the start. They were married a few years later in August 1963. In 1965, they welcomed a rambunctious, active baby boy, Walter Dennis. Dainah Christine, a precious, beautiful little girl arrived in 1967. Living in Brandon, they enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Clear Lake. So much so, the cabin later became Wally and Lynda’s full time residence...in the summer anyway; with winters spent enjoying the sun, friends and fun in warmer climates. With her gracious and compassionate heart, caring eyes and contagious smile, Lynda brought love and kindness to the lives of her friends, patients and colleagues in her career as a nurse. She worked at the Brandon RHA in the emergency department, day surgery, ICU and recovery units. In her semi-retirement years, she brought her care and compassion nursing at the Erickson Hospital. Never one to sit idle, Lynda helped out on the family farm and in the family business. She was involved with several organizations over the years, some of which included the Brandon Hills Fire Flies, St Mary's Anglican Church, the 1960s Brandon Girlfriends, and of course, the Women's Golf League in Clear Lake. Nan loved going for walks experiencing the beauty of nature. She loved shopping, golfing, dancing, listening to music and watching movies; especially when she could share these moments with family and friends. She and Wally have so many great memories, created each and every day, over their 52 years of marriage. They are our roles models for genuine love, kindness and acceptance. Lynda cherished life and knew the importance of living every moment. She loved gardening, swimming and boating. She was adventurous, creative and loved to try new things. During her music phase, she tried her hand at guitar and piano. She had an antique refurbishing phase, a painting phase, pottery, knitting and drawing phases to name just a few. She shared the special pieces she created with her family. Recently she was learning Spanish so she could talk with people she met at the grocery store or on vacation. That’s our Nan, always thinking of what she could do to make others feel loved and know that they matter. After the tragic passing of Dainah, Nan became more than a grandmother to Josh and Ben; she was an anchor of strength and love. Never missing a day, through phone calls and visits, Nan made sure they felt the love of these two gracious and loving women. And that’s our Nan, stepping in to help those in need. She found strength in her faith and beliefs about life. You could always count on her no matter what; no matter the circumstances. Without hesitation, Nan always saw the goodness and love in people, and had a unique way to bring out goodness, love and kindness in all of us. Lynda was pre-deceased by her gracious and kind daughter Dainah Christine Draper, mother Muriel Nevins, father Norman Bailey, step father Norman Nevins, brothers Sid Bailey and Teddy Bailey, and brother in law Bill Bensen. In addition to her many friends and family, her love of life, joy and laugher will be fondly cherished by her husband, soul mate and best friend Wally Johnston, son Dennis Johnston (Brenda), son in law Scott Draper (Bonnie), grandchildren Josh, Levi, Ben, Jesse, Madison, Cody, and Dharma, and great grandson Malik, her brothers and sisters Rick Bailey (Louise), Barry Bailey (Mary Anne), Rose Taylor (Michael Beadle), Norma Benson, Freda Kadeschuck, Loraine Ingram (Kenny), sister in law Lorraine Bailey. A private family service was held on Friday, November 6, 2015 at Memories Chapel to celebrate the beautiful and loving life of Lynda - wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. On behalf of our family, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff of Minnedosa hospital, the paramedics, Memories Chapel and Father Sean Beahen. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone for your thoughtful messages, visits, delicious food, kindness and love. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lynda’s honour to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, CE501-840 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1S1. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 07, 2015