The family of Barb Johnston (nee Dunahee) are saddened to announce her passing at Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. in Fort Frances, Ont. on Monday, April 3, 2006 after a brief illness.
Mom was born in Fort Frances on Oct. 6, 1939 and resided here for most of her life.
In July, 1958, she was united in marriage to J.T. (Terry) Johnston, who predeceased her on April 13, 1984.
She also was predeceased by a son, Terry Wayne in 1960; her father, Morris Dunahee; mother, Margaret Kielczewski; stepfather, Paul Kielczewski; brother, Kevin Kielczewski; very special aunt and friend, Rita Kielczewski; and father-in-law, John Johnston.
Mom is survived by four children, Karen (Garry) Raine of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Kim Johnston, Gordon Johnston, and Guy (Brenda) Johnston, all of Fort Frances, Ont.; and three grandchildren (her pride and joy), Terry Kellar (friend Brittany), Mark Kellar (friend Jessica), and Hannah Johnston.
She was a special “honourary” Grandma to Scotty Bridgeman, a loving “Nan” to Kennedy Handberg, and a favourite “Grandma Bark” to her many great nieces and nephews.
Mom also is survived by three sisters and seven brothers, Gail (Bill) Shields of Fort Frances, Ont., Laurie Kielczewski (Rick) and Bonnie (Bernie) Limoges of Edmonton, Alta., Harvey (Barb) Dunahee of Victoria, B.C., Pat (Vera) Dunahee of Lethbridge, Alta., Keith (Betty) Dunahee of Edmonton, Alta., Leon Kielczewski of Fort Frances, Ont., Raymond (Dee-Anne) Kielczewski of Thunder Bay, Ont., Derry Kielczewski of Atikokan, Ont., and Shawn Kielczewski of Edmonton, Alta; uncle, Allan Kielczewski of Fort Frances, Ont.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Also surviving is her mother-in-law, Viola Johnston; sisters-in-law, Wilda (Bob) Rogers and Linda (Hans) Griesheimer, all of southern Ontario; and brother-in-law, Ralph (Sylvia) Johnston of International Falls, Mn.
Mom worked at Rainycrest for 33 years, retiring in 2000. She was a kind and compassionate caregiver. She was an active member of CUPE Local 65 for many years, where she made many friends throughout the region.
She also was a member of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Br. #29.
Mom loved airplane rides, boating, fishing, and spending time at camp. She liked watching hockey, both professionally and as the #1 fan and supporter during both her sons’ and grandsons’ junior hockey years.
She always made her presence known from the cheering section.
Mom also loved to bake, and her children, family, and friends were regular recipients of her goodie packages.
Mom was well-known for her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude, as well as her kind and caring nature and generosity. She will be greatly missed.
In accordance with Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal funeral service.
However, we will host a casual reception for friends and family at the Royal Canadian Legion, 250 Church St., Fort Frances, Ont. on Saturday, April 8, 2006 from 1-3 p.m.
Mom requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to “Ice For Kids” in Fort Frances, c/o 828 Sixth St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1W9 or c/o Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Fort Frances Times
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