Leona Mary Johnston passed away Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at Grey Gables in Markdale, Ont. Leona was born in Emo, Ont. on Nov. 2, 1925 to Bill and Maude Cooke.
Leona married Bill Johnston in 1961, who survives. They had three children, David (Emma) of Toronto, Ont., Ruth, and Gordon (Susan) of Markdale, Ont.; and two grandsons, Jeremiah and Jonah Johnston.
She also is survived by two sisters, Darlene Draper and Janet (Roy) Young of Emo, Ont.; brother-in-law, Don Johnston of Markdale, Ont.; sisters-in-law, Velma Cooke of Thunder Bay, Ont. and Dorothy (Cecil) Schmitt of Hanover, Ont.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her father in 1963; mother in 1995; brother, Berneth, in 1989; and brother-in-law, Sheldon Draper, in 1987.
She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Emo until her marriage. She continued to be involved in church activities in Flesherton and Markdale until failing health decreed otherwise.
She started her teaching career in 1946 in a one-room school in Carpenter #2 (Emo), then taught in Box Alder before going to a two-room school in Devlin, where she taught until her marriage.
She was respected by her students and although she was strict, she was always fair.
She enjoyed gardening, visiting, music, cooking, and doing crafts. Because of her caring and sharing nature, she was very well-liked.
Having her family around her was her greatest joy.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005 at the Markdale Baptist Church.
Take her hand, guide her safely
To home, where she finally can rest
Without pain, without sorrow, without tears,
Give to her only the best.
For you see, this was our loved one
Who has loved and given us care.
She was a jewel of greatest value—
A mother beyond compare!
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
