Sydney
Colleen Joan Johnston, age 90, of the Cove Guest Home, Sydney, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the Creative Care Unit with her daughter, Linda by her side.
Born in Whitney Pier, Colleen was the daughter of the late John Joe and Mary Christina (Maymie) (Jackson) Gillis.
Colleen was known to most people in her life as “Nana” and “Ma”. She had a big heart full of kindness and was always there when someone needed her, often giving up her own time for others with no questions asked. She taught us what it means to be strong and resilient, to always stand up for what is right and just, and to do what makes us happy. She also taught those around her about life, love, and giving, all while making a few jokes along the way.
Colleen has meant so much to those around her for the past 90 years and will be surely missed but not forgotten. Her joyful love for life and contagious laughter will forever be a huge part of who we are. As we remember our beautiful and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, we take this time to honour and celebrate her wonderful spirit and zest for life.
Colleen had a gift that made each of her six children feel as though they were her favorite. Some of her other talents included sewing and knitting, which she shared with everyone she knew. She loved to have fun with her family, especially swimming at the wharf in the Bras d’Or Lakes at her own little piece of heaven on earth as she called it, Johnston’s Harbour. She was a lover of ice cream, laughter, and told great stories. As most people who knew her are aware, she was always the last person to leave a party.
Colleen was employed at the Sydney City Hospital for many years as a housemother to the nursing students until her retirement in 1991.
Colleen is survived by her sons, Danny, Collie, Kenny (Pam) and Terry (Deneyse) Johnston; daughters, Joan Barnes and Linda Berger; daughter-in-law, Debbie Johnston; as well as 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Besides her parents, Colleen was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Daniel Joseph Johnston (2007); grandson, Shane Johnston (2008); son-in-law, Michael Berger (2015); three sisters, Margie Hartigan, Laurie McCarron, Bonnie Tobin and one brother, John Gillis.
There will be no visitation. Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Colleen Johnston will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Covid Protocols will be practiced at the service and for those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available. Private Family interment will take place at a later date.
The family would like to thank the Cove Guest Home for their exceptional care and kindness shown to our mother, ‘Nana J’.
Donations in memory of Colleen may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of JOHNSTON Colleen Joan 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia