Obituary of Frances Johnston

Frances (Frankie) G. Johnston Nee Whelon Peacefully, at River Park Gardens Personal Care Home, on Saturday, September 25, 2010, Mom passed away at 88 years of age. Mom will be loved in our hearts forever and sadly missed by her daughters, Susan Bidzinski (Victor), Patricia Danylishin (Jim), and Wendy Hudson (Glenn). She was a loving Grandmother and so proud of her Grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her memory Victor, Michelle (Jeff) and Todd, Jay (Tenise) and Lauren, Roberta (Dave) and Matthew. Her Great Grandchildren brought her so much joy and she took great pleasure in showing their pictures to anyone who asked. She leaves Tyler, Calvin and Carter, Dylan, Connor and Owen, Eric, Ryan and Robert, Breanna and Matthew. She will also be remembered by her step brother Gari Whelon (Bonnie) in B.C. and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband, Boyd, in 1992, her parents Roy Whelon and Ethel Woods, brothers Brian and Charlie in childhood, and Ken (sister in law Marion). In the last few years she also lost very dear friends, with whom she and Dad shared many wonderful times, Bobby and Gen Clarke and Hugh and Joanne Campbell. Mom has missed their friendship so much . Mom was born in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba on January 7th, 1922 and spent her childhood there. Eventually Mom moved to Winnipeg where she continued her education and graduated from Kelvin High School. During the war she worked at MacDonald Aircraft and the first time she laid eyes on Dad she was head over heels in love. Mom and Dad were married June 30th, 1945 and shared 47 wonderful years. They worked together in the restaurant and grocery business for a number of years. She also held employment at Eatons and Moore Business Forms. As children we have fond memories of holidays spent travelling and camping in Canada and the United States and Mom planned every detail of each trip including at least one historical sight. Eventually they gave up camping and purchased a house trailer and settled at Spruce Sands. Fun times were to be had with lots of laughter and music around the campfire as the Johnstons and Campbells whooped it up. It must be mentioned that Mom earned the nickname "The White Phantom" as inevitably she'd come out in her long white nightgown to tell us to "be quiet and go to bed!". Mom was a beautiful seamstress. She made us coats, dresses, costumes, dolls and doll clothes and knit beautiful sweaters. She shared her talents at the church bazaar and many friends and family cherish her cross stitch ornaments and beautiful hand towels. Mom was a very practical person. Always thrifty, but everything was done to perfection and it seemed there was nothing she couldn't do. Mom and Dad loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Barbados, Bermuda, and Palm Springs during retirement. They both loved to curl and Mom enjoyed the ladies teams after Dad's passing. Mom remained in our family home until the year 1999. She bought a condo and enjoyed her time there. She loved picking up the ladies and going to church on Sundays at St Martin's. She enjoyed being part of the Women's Group , helping with fall suppers, teas and bazaars. Mom had a deep faith in God and her church life was extremely important to her. "Faith is not believing that God can, it is knowing that he will" was her motto. During her 50 years at St Martin's she taught Sunday school and confirmation classes. Mom was a Girl Guide and enjoyed guiding in her youth and later became a troop leader. She volunteered as a canvasser for the Heart and Stroke and Cancer campaigns for many years. Eventually Mom needed more assistance and moved to Catherine Place, where she enjoyed the meals and activities. Dementia stole so much of who she was, but it never succeeded in taking away her gentle spirit and beautiful smile. The last three years have been spent in the dignified and exceptional care of all the staff at River Park Gardens Personal Care Home. A special Thank You to Nancy, Rodney and Catherine, for the respect, compassion and expert care you gave to Mom. A heart felt Thank You to Lynn, the pastoral care giver. Mom and Lynn formed a special bond as she shared her spirituality and time with Mom. God bless all of you. Mom was a respectful and loving daughter. She was a devoted wife, providing a love story for Boyd and he often said " he could not have lived with out her". Throughout our life, Mom gave us everything she had and led by example. She showed us the way of religious guidance. As adults she gave advice only when asked . She was always our cheerleader; wanting for us what we wanted . For our kids, the cookie jar was always full, sewing machine ready to mend whatever needed it, story books ready to read, card games to be played, fun at the beach and every birthday, Christmas or special occasion touched by her love. Mom felt very blessed and was always grateful. Words cannot describe the love in our hearts and the loss we feel. Most of all, let love guide your life. Colossians 3:14 A celebration of Frankie's life will be held on Thursday, September 30 at 11:00a.m. at St. Martin in the Field Anglican Church, 160 Smithfield Ave. Interment to follow in Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Martin in the Field Anglican Church or a charity of your choice.