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Dorothy Johnston

Dorothy Johnston

JOHNSTON, DOROTHY FERNE (nee LAWSON) - September 20, 1941 - January 7, 2013 - It is with great sadness that the Johnston family announces the passing of Dorothy Ferne Johnston on Monday, January 7, 2013 in Calgary. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease less than three years ago, Dorothy’s decline was very rapid and the onset of the disease, aggressive. The eldest of three children, Dorothy was born to Jonathan and Muriel Lawson in Bass River, NB, Sept. 20, 1941. She grew up in Bass River, NB, attended middle and high school in Moncton and completed a nursing degree at the Moncton Hospital School of Nursing (graduating class of 1962). Dorothy is predeceased by her husband, James Donald Johnston. Following her graduation from nursing school, Dorothy and Don were married and relocated to Germany where Don was posted with the Canadian Forces. It was there that they started a family with the birth of their eldest son, Christopher. Upon returning to Canada, Don was stationed in Halifax where they welcomed Jeremy and later Elizabeth while living in Moncton. In 1980, Don and Dorothy relocated to Calgary permanently although trips ‘back home‘ to New Brunswick were frequent and made for wonderful memories for the whole family. In Calgary, Dorothy worked as a nurse at the Glenmore Auxiliary and Foothills Hospital (Unit 111) until her retirement in the late 80‘s. Dorothy was conscientious, hard-working and kind and felt a strong sense of duty to others. She volunteered with numerous organizations throughout the years, including but not limited to Meals on Wheels, the Calgary Horticultural Society and various outreach programs through Woodcliff United Church. Dorothy enjoyed a number of activities including gardening, hiking, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, speed skating and reading. She was happiest spending time with Don and their children. The Johnston and Lawson families would like to acknowledge the support of family members and a few special friends who helped us through the challenges faced over the past few years. Your support was enormously helpful and appreciated. Dorothy is survived by her sons Christopher (Eleise) of Edmonton; Jeremy of Edmonton; daughter, Elizabeth (Lorenzo) Fontana of Calgary; grandchildren Emma, Hannah, Luca and Matteo; sister Barbara (Ken) of Riverview, NB and brother George of Vancouver. Dorothy was predeceased by her mother, Muriel and her father, Jonathan. Our family would like to thank the staff of the Beverly Centre Glenmore for their compassion and kindness.
A Memorial Service will be held at Woodcliff United Church (5010 Spruce Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary. In living memory of Dorothy Johnston a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 1-800-661-1599

 

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