Betty Jo was born October 12, 1930 in Winnipeg. On August 30, 2019, she died peacefully at her home with her husband by her side.
Predeceased by her parents, H. Muriel (Bruce) and Joseph Ball, lovingly remembered and missed by her husband Ross A. Johnston, of 60 years, children Allison (Ken), Brian (Penny), Grant, Gail (Greg), grandchildren Kelvin, Simon, Abby, Sofia, Rebecca, Natasha, brother Bruce (Barb) Ball, extended family and friends.
A sweet and gentle soul; Betty Jo was never still, always active with numerous activities, many which involved helping others. She deeply loved her family, was fond of family traditions, which included summers at the cottage, the annual anniversary dinner, Christmas break ski trips at Elkhorn for the last 31 years, Florida night celebrations, the January birthday dinner, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter gatherings where she always prepared a delicious meal.
Betty Jo was tough. She was rarely ill and never complained. Despite the poor prognosis in May while in hospital one night, she lived to celebrate her 60th wedding anniversary on August 14.
She grew up on Montrose Street. Her family were very active members at St. Stephen’s Broadway Church and every Sunday they would travel to church by taxi. Betty Jo attended Rupert’s Land School (Balmoral Hall) graduating as the Captain of her house. At school, she participated in Red Cross Council, ballet, gymnastics, theatre, basketball and piano lessons. In high school, she rode the streetcar to summer jobs at Eaton’s and The Bay; and later, she worked one summer as an elevator operator at The Chateau Lake Louise.
The spirited Betty Jo was determined to go to university although it was not as common for a woman at that time. In 1952, she graduated with a B.Sc. (Home Economics) from the University of Manitoba. She completed a one-year postgraduate Dietetic Internship at the University of Minnesota where she joined the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She began her career working in Kingston, Ontario at the General Hospital. She returned to Winnipeg to work at Deer Lodge followed by the Children’s Hospital until 1962.
In 1959, she married Ross and brought up their four children to be independent. She was a devoted mother, and skillfully looked after all the household activities with constant demands both in Winnipeg and at the Beaconia cottage. But it was in the kitchen where she really shone. Betty Jo was an excellent cook who enjoyed trying new recipes, and often baked for various events. Ross was always jealous when trays of butter tarts were heading out the door!
Betty Jo was quiet but determined—small in statue but large in conviction. She drove herself everywhere. When the children had grown, Betty Jo returned to university before working as a consulting dietician for 11 years in several communities. She was the President of the Manitoba Association of Registered Dietitians the year the organization achieved professional status.
Volunteering defined Betty Jo. It was important to her and she always made time to volunteer regardless of how busy she was. She contributed to many organizations including The Junior League, Children’s Hospital Guild (notably the Book Market and Gift Shop), her children’s schools, Dalnavert Museum, Meals on Wheels, St. Andrew’s United Church, Convalescent Home, Lionelles, and was a lifetime blood donor.
Betty Jo enjoyed reading, sewing & knitting, bridge club, badminton, dance aerobics, cross country skiing, theater, ballet and playing the piano. She went on adventures, traveling with Ross to Europe and Asia. Lions Club events took them on many excursions throughout Manitoba and the USA where she made many lifelong friends.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support throughout her last 7 years as she became less independent. Special thanks for the compassionate care provided in the family home by Elena, Lynette, Frances, Anabelle, Emilda, Sarah, Elna, Leila, Sandy, Rose, Relita, Jeriline, Rav, and Jarrie.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to any one of her organizations.
Interment at Elmwood Cemetery.
Friends and family are invited to the family home on September 11 from 4-7 p.m. to share memories of Betty Jo.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Elizabeth Betty Jo Johnston..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba