VIRGINIA (GINNY) A. JOHNSTON

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

• I am heartbroken over the news of Ginny’s passing. She was my right hand woman in my classroom at Montrose school over the last 15 years. Ginny’s love, passion and excitement for children and learning shone through in everything that she did. Ginny was more than an EA - she was an integral part of our school. I feel honoured and blessed to have had her friendship in my life - she was my family too. I will treasure the many special memories we made together forever. Her never ending sunshine spirit, positive attitude and zest for life will stick with everyone she touched forever. My deepest and sincere condolences to the family. Ginny - I love you and I miss you more than you will ever know. Rest In Peace ❤️ - Posted by: Andrea Silk (Friend) on: May 16, 2022

• When I received the email from Sigrid that Ginny has passed away I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news. Ginny was an integral part of my childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. My first memories in fact were with Ginny. She was undeniably my best friend during that time period and while we lost contact over the ensuing decades she remained in my heart and to this day my closest friend. We had a very strong indelible bond. While we shared a common path for many years eventually, we came to that fork in the road where we embarked on different paths. It is with profound dismay that the convergence of those paths would never transpire at least in this physical earth. At 25 I left Winnipeg and moved to the United States to pursue my medical studies and career; I have lived in New York City now for many years. I will remember Ginny as the gentlest of souls and indeed she had this angelic quality about her as a child both in appearance and in the persona that emanated from within. She could calm even the most difficult of people. It was never about her own priorities. She was truly selfless, always exhibiting unparalleled kindness and compassion. She had a willingness to always help those who were weaker and in need. At the same time, she was a very intelligent and resourceful person with great common sense. She always found the silver lining in every cloud; she was the eternal optimist. Then there was her great comedic talent. We had so many wonderful childhood memories such as our weekly treat of taking the Corydon Avenue Bus to the Bay and having our lunch at the Paddlewheel restaurant or the Char Bar. As we matured and acquired slightly more money we began to have a weekend lunch at Basil’s, a chic café in Osborne village. I loved visiting her grandmother and step grandfather in Gimli and her beautiful mother Mrs. Isford at her Uncle’s interior design shop on Osborne Avenue. As a young child I was in awe as she executed these secret fudge and toffee recipes she learned from her wonderful mother’s father. Those simpler times were the foundation for memories that I hold dear to my heart. Ginny had a very successful and fulfilling life that was unfortunately cut short by a few decades however she will live on for generations to come through the lives she created and the many lives she touched. Rest in Peace dear Ginny. I will love you always. Cindy Dr. Cynthia Magro MD, New York, New York - Posted by: Cynthia Magro (childhood friend) on: May 16, 2022

• Dear Isford and Johnson Families and to Virginia's children: My sister Cindy just told me that Ginny died and I am deeply saddened. I will always remember Ginny as a beautiful sweet -natured girl with rosy cheeks, white blond hair, and a kind heart. She has exceptional compassion and was my sister's best friend throughout the formative years of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Cindy and Ginny were like little angels, similar in many respects, and they grew into lovely, intelligence, talented and strong young women. Ginny stood by Cindy through good times and times of hardship. Cindy and Ginny may have lost touch over the decades but I know my sister always loved Virginia as her best friend. Ginny accomplished so much in her life and I do believe that her spirit lives on. I will always remember Virginia’s unique compassion, innocence, and generosity Thank you Ginny for your having an open & non-judgemental heart to the Magro family. My mother Hildegard Maria Muhlbauer and my father Joseph Mary Magro also loved Ginny. My Dad was always happy when Ginny was there. Ginny had a calming presence and a loving nature that will never leave. Leonard, Karen, and Cindy loved little Ginny and will cherish her in our hearts forever. With deep sadness and sympathy, Dr. Karen Mary Magro I dwell in Possibility By Emily Dickinson I dwell in Possibility – A fairer House than Prose – More numerous of Windows – Superior – for Doors – Of Chambers as the Cedars – Impregnable of eye – And for an everlasting Roof The Gambrels of the Sky – Of Visitors – the fairest – For Occupation – This – The spreading wide my narrow Hands To gather Paradise – - Posted by: Dr. Karen Magro (Former Neighbor on Lockwood Street) on: May 15, 2022

• Condolences to Ginny's family, friends and all those that had the pleasure of knowing her. She was such a wonderful woman. My boy's have so many wonderful memories of her during their time at Montrose. She will truly be missed by so many. - Posted by: KRISTIN MICHELLE DULAY (Mother of Montrose Student) on: May 12, 2022

• Ginny loved and was loved by all the at the school. Her heart shone through in everything she did and she touched many peoples lives. Our world is better because we have the honour to know her. Love and light to you all. May you be comforted by the memories and infinite love she has for all of you. - The Rossing Family - Posted by: The Rossing Family (Family at School) on: May 10, 2022

• I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I lived next door to the Isfords for many years and our families’ homes became the hub of Lockwood Street for many of the neighbourhood kids and their games and activities. I remember Ginny’s infectious smile and caring personality. She once took me to a Jets game where we saw someone win the grand prize for shooting a puck in a small hole in a board covering the net. She was at times a babysitter, a friend and advisor to me and often helped the younger kids in our families navigate their friendships and solve problems. It was so wonderful to see her again at Montrose, where she worked with my sister, Joelle. My heartfelt condolences to the Johnston, Isford and Giles families. Ginny was a wonderful human being. and our world will miss her. - Posted by: David Brown (Family friend) on: May 09, 2022

• We would like to extend our condolences to Ginny's extended family Ginny was a sweet, happy, 9-year-old girl when we became next door neighbours of the Isford family. Although we left Winnipeg a few years later, we kept in touch with Ginny's mother for many years. While we are sorry to learn of Ginny's passing, we are pleased to learn that she lived a fulfilling life doing what she loved to do. Lorne & Ruth McDonald, Mississauga, ON - Posted by: Lorne & Ruth McDonald (Friends) on: May 08, 2022

• Ginny truly considered the feelings of those she cared for in life and constantly placed them first. Her humour, amazing instincts and love for children were constantly inspiring to me. I was blessed to have her assist me weekly in the 75+ student choir room- with Ginny there, I always knew everything would be ok…and that we’d have a laugh while doing so. We all felt this way about Ginny. She was THAT good. She then became my first breast cancer support friend when I became diagnosed. Ginny, you will forever be etched in my heart. ❤️ Rest in papercraft and peace, my dear Ginny. - Posted by: Lindsay (Friend ) on: May 08, 2022

• Thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this time of loss. - Posted by: Lesley Nixon (Friend of Doug & Carol Bell) on: May 08, 2022

• Our sincere condolences to all the families. Ginny shall be missed. She will always be remembered. Sonja and Family. - Posted by: Sonja (Friend ) on: May 08, 2022

• We are so sorry to hear of Ginny’s passing. She was always such a kind and sunny presence at Montrose School. She will be greatly missed, but we are fortunate to have known her. Condolences to her family from ours. - Posted by: Kristin M Lovrien-Meuwese (Montrose School Parent ) on: May 07, 2022