Johnston, Bertha “Jean”, 97, of Lunenburg, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Harbour View Haven Home for Special Care, Lunenburg.
Born June 11, 1921 in Marble Mountain, Cape Breton, she was a daughter of the late Dr. William K. and Mildred (Akerley) MacKay.
Jean moved to Lunenburg in November 1964. She has remained loyal and proud of her chosen town as well as her birthplace, Marble Mountain, Cape Breton. A friend to all, Jean had a lot of love to share. She enjoyed life to the fullest. Jean especially loved children, animals and nature. The cottage on Herman’s Island was her favourite place to be. Jean, often with her sister, Eileen, treasured time spent there having a game of cards, gathering with her family and friends, or quietly relaxing and reading a book. Throughout the years, Jean bowled, curled, skated, attended woodworking classes as well as senior’s exercise groups. Jean retired from BMO in 1983 and began travelling often. When at home she enjoyed a game of bridge anytime, belonging to many groups of bridge players. She played bridge until age 94, still able to win a game or two. Volunteering was important to Jean, so she found time to belong to the United Church Women for 50 years, Red Cross, IODE and Meals on Wheels, continuing to deliver to ‘seniors’ well into her 90’s. Jean’s best achievement and the one that made her most proud was raising her two children. In September 1957, Jean and her husband Ross, adopted Alison, and in February 1959 they adopted James (Jimmy) but Jean was widowed at the age of 37 when Ross passed away suddenly on June 2, 1959. Jean was a very special Mother to Alison and Jimmy, always having the time to spend with them in her kind, caring and loving manner.
Mom will be greatly missed but many wonderful memories have been made along her journey.
Jean is survived by her daughter; Alison (Ira) MacDonald, Sydney; son, James (Cathy) Johnston, Lunenburg; grandchildren, Laura (Joel) Johnston-Selig, Kyle Johnston, Ross (Brittany Wong) MacDonald, Christina MacDonald; great-grandaughter, Lillian Johnston-Selig. She was a special aunt to Bill MacKay, Gloucester, ON, Bruce (Julie Martin) MacKay, Arnprior, ON, Kathleen (Al) Hamilton, Stittsville, ON and great- aunt to Jennifer and Scott Hamilton and Torie Fortin-MacKay, David MacKay as well as four great-great nieces, nephews and two cape Breton cousins.
Besides her parents, Jean was predeceased by her husband, Ross; brother Donald sister; Eileen MacKay.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213, Hwy #3, Lunenburg. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in Central United Church, Lunenburg. Rev. Grace Caines-Corkum, officiating. Interment to follow in Park Cemetery, Mahone Bay.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central United Church, Lunenburg, Dr. Arthur Patterson Centre for Restorative Care, Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, S.H.A.I.D.Tree Animal Shelter, or a charity of your choice.
“As a well spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings a happy death”
Leonardo Da Vinci
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bertha Jean Johnston Wednesday May 29th 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Lunenburg, Province: Nova Scotia