GLADYS JOHNSTONE

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GLADYS (HELEN) JOHNSTONE Growing old is a privilege denied to many people. Helen was fortunate to celebrate 95 birthdays. She also celebrated her 95th Christmas with our family and rang in her 95th New Year four days before her passing. Mom passed peacefully in the wee hours of January 5, 2017. She is deeply missed by her daughter Deb (Bob) Sudoma; grandchildren Mike and Christina; and also by her son Dale; grandson Alain. She also leaves her nieces and nephews who will miss the family matriarch. She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Marguerite and Shirley, and by her brother Hector. She has now joined Dad who left us in August, 2007. Mom was born in Lumsden, Saskatchewan on October 27, 1921, at the home of her grandparents, during a prairie blizzard. She began her teaching career in a small country school in 1940 and her career allowed her to enjoy a fair bit of travelling. When she returned to Canada in 1954, she met John Johnstone. They were married in July 1957 and celebrated 50 years together. In 1965, our family moved to Winnipeg, which has been Mom's home ever since. She was involved in the church and especially enjoyed singing in the choir. She enjoyed gardening and reading and in her younger years was apparently quite the hockey and baseball player! She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Her pride and joy was her family. She loved spending quiet days at our cabin. She loved to look at old photos and would tell stories to anyone who had the time to listen. Mom's homemade buns were THE BEST ... bar none! The family would like to thank Mom's home care workers who made it possible for her to stay in her apartment until May 2016. Also sincere thanks to the staff at St. James Kiwanis (Sinawik Bay) for going the extra mile when Mom needed it most. Thanks also to the staff at Oakview Extendicare where Mom had resided since July 2016. Memorial service will take place at St. James Kiwanis ("Terrace" apartment building), 90 Sinawik Bay on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. with Reverend Raymond Knight officiating. Reception to follow. Private family interment of ashes will take place prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2017