Johnston, Jean Agnes
The death of Jean Agnes Johnston occurred at The Lady Minto Hospital on April 2, 2012. Born in Glassville, New Brunswick on February 16, 1920, Jean was the daughter of the late Clement Wilson and Myrtle Henrietta (Peterson) Perry. Jean was the eldest and the final survivor of six siblings, Frances, Arthur (Pat), Mary, Jacquie, and Mabel. Jean attended Normal School in Fredericton in 1938 and went on to teach in Tracy and later at her home school in Glassville. She met and later married Tilley Maurice Johnston in Tracy in May of 1941.
After Tilley returned from overseas, they lived in St. John with their two daughters. In 1948 they moved to Northern Alberta to teach on the Provincial Metis Colonies for seven years. With their daughters, they settled in Edmonton where they both continued working for the Provincial Government until their retirement in 1973.
They had discovered Salt Spring Island while on vacation in the early 1960’s and bought a piece of land on Roland Road, where they eventually built their retirement dream home and spent many happy years.
Jean was active in the Hiking Club and Birdwatching Club, but was most happy with her quilting club, where she formed many friendships. Jean was an avid knitter and craftsperson and her work was often entered in Christmas, Summer and Fall Fairs.
After Tilley’s passing Jean eventually moved to a residence in The Kingfisher where she spent many happy years close to her friends and favourite coffee shops in Ganges.
Jean spent the last year and a half in Extended Care at Lady Minto Hospital where her life was made comfortable by a warm and caring staff and the many volunteers.
She is survived by her daughter Sandra (grandson Geoff), daughter Heather Niven (Robert), granddaughter Darcy Berwick (Dan), great grandchildren Abigail and Griffin, granddaughter Erin (great granddaughter Rhowena), grandson Patrick Niven (Jacquie) and great granddaughter Delaney. She also leaves a special niece, Kathy Perry from Brampton, and close friend of many years Shirley Martineau Rogers, of Edmonton.
A Celebration of Life will be announced for sometime in May. The family suggests in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Jean’s name to the Lady Minto Hospital.