Doreen Johnston

Doreen Elizabeth Johnston

(nee Anderson)

Doreen Johnston passed away peacefully on November 12, 2015, surrounded by her loving family at the Portage District General Hospital.

Doreen was born February 7, 1931 at Kinosota, Manitoba to William and Elizabeth Anderson. Her early years were spent growing up in Kinosota. She often spoke of her long walk to school with her brother Lindsey who would pull pranks on her on their way to school. In her teenage years they moved to Portage where she finished her schooling at Portage Collegiate. While attending school she had a job at Pragnell’s bakery and was a Nanny for a local family. Also while attending Portage Collegiate she met Dad’s sister Myrte who she became close friends with. She and Myrte loved to go to dances and this is where she met Dad. Mom and Dad’s love was a commitment that would last 65 years as of Tuesday, November 10, 2015.

We were very fortunate as young children to have our Mom at home. Many of our friends spent good times at our place. Mom even allowed Ralph’s band to practice in the basement and garage. Mom also cared for Marj’s son, Scott who she always thought of as a second son.

In 1970, Mom and Dad fulfilled a dream and moved out to a farm. It became a family farm with Dad’s Mom Dorothy and younger brother Sid. Mom kept very busy both on the farm and working as a waitress at Nick’s café.  They raised many different animals on the farm and our home was always filled with pets. She still enjoyed visits from her little dog “Kia” right up until she was hospitalized.

Mom had many loves, especially times spent with family. It didn't matter whether it was for tea, cookies or a meal, she loved it all. We will all miss her endless supply of our favorite cookies and her ice cream pail pickles.  Family was her pride and joy and she always welcomed any new additions to the family. Mom was a very understanding, caring, compassionate person and was always there to listen and guide us through difficult times. Her grandchildren learned some of life’s most important lessons through her. Her compassion extended to many throughout her life. This included nieces, nephews and cousins.

Over the years Mom enjoyed her weekly Kinsmen Bingo, daily word games in the Sun, Puzzles and was an avid reader and member of the local library.

Mom was always up for a shopping trip and meal to the city with her girls. She also enjoyed an occasional drink, card and board games with her grandchildren. She loved laughter and old time music with her close girlfriends Marj, Norma, Loretta and Myrte.

TV and music also filled her life with much enjoyment. She didn’t miss an episode of the Young and Restless, The Bold and Beautiful and Coronation Street. No one was allowed to change the channel. Hockey was always tuned in especially if “Aaron Asham” or “Sidney Crosby” were playing.

She just couldn’t get enough of old time fiddling music and loved watching step dancers. For as many years as it has been aired, she has been a faithful listener of Saturday night Polka Party. Just the past weekend Mom was blessed to have Ralph home to sing and play some of her all-time favorites.

We will especially miss our Mom at Christmas as this was her favorite time of the year. She was like a big kid with her Christmas Village and tree. She liked lots of presents and often couldn’t wait till Christmas day to open them. She made sure her girls knew how to make “Christmas Pudding”, as she did every Christmas.

She also made sure all birthdays were special and we always received a card and gift, ensuring to treat us all equally.

She was “Our Rock”!

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Earl; children Sharon (Steve) McCorrister of Portage la Prairie, MB, Ralph (Dawn) Johnston of Dawson Creek, BC, Shelley (Danny) Frith of Portage la Prairie, MB; grandchildren and great grandchildren Jodi (Blaine), Chris, Alleasha, Cassidy (Darryl), Chaley, Rhianna, Andrew and  great great grandson Jesse James (JJ); Orry and Caitlin (Ryan); Jamie (Char), Cole and Landon; in-laws Tom Johnston, Frank (Clara) Johnston, Sid Johnston and Genie Johnston, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doreen was predeceased by her parents William and Elizabeth Anderson; brother Lindsey and his daughter Linda and her son Ray; mother and father-in-law Dorothy and Thomas Johnston, sister-in-law Myrte Grouette, granddaughters Shauna Leigh, Terri Dawn and grandson Quentin Harder.

A private family graveside service will take place at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Doreen’s memory to the Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1P6 or to Pink Ladies Snow Ride for a Cure, c/o RR3, Box 61, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A3 or to Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 Fifth St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com