Agnes Johnstone
Passed on: December 10th, 2016
On December 10, 2016, Agnes (Barron) Johnstone passed away peacefully in her 99th year, at the Northside General Hospital. Agnes was born in Sydney N S. and lived in the Ashby district most of her life. As a youth, Agnes attended Constantine School and Holy Angels High School. In her early life, she was active as a musician and singer. She was also a gifted painter and was inspirational to generations of local artists through her teaching of adult education classes and through art instruction for young people in her own studio. In later years, she turned to writing, publishing eight illustrated books of poetry, many of which celebrated local culture. She was a strong community supporter and an active member of the Old Sydney Society. Agnes contributed to a number of committees and service groups supporting the community. Agnes remained a devout Catholic throughout her life. Agnes was predeceased by her parents, Michael Barron and Bridgette (Fox); her three brothers, Michael, Bill and Pat and by her four sisters; Ellen, Alice, Mary, and Margaret. Agnes was also predeceased by her husband, Robert T. Johnstone and by her eldest son, Robert Emmett (Patricia). She is survived her sons, Harvey (Anne), Barry (Ruby) and Lowell (Raylene). She is also survived by nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The family would like to acknowledge the professional and thoughtful service provided by the medical and support staff during Agnes’ hospital stay. Special thanks are also due to the devoted caregivers Florence MacDonald and Elaine McGuigan. The family is also grateful for the ongoing support of her close friends Bill and Carolyn Snow.
Funeral visitation will be at the T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Monday, December 12, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church, Whitney Avenue on Tuesday, December 13, at 10 a.m. A reception will be held at St. Theresa’s church hall following the mass. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery (Sydney River) following the reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the local food bank, Loaves and Fishes; or the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County; or a cause of the donor’s choice. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home. Condolences may be also directed to: www.twcurry.com.
