1925 – 2020
Esther peacefully passed away on April 17, 2020 at Middlechurch Home at the age of 94. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 73 years, Al Johnston; her sons, Ken (Janice) and Wayne; grandchildren, Melissa, Cheryl (Vincenzo), Barry, Brian (Stacy) and Alan (Nancy); and 5 great grandchildren. Esther was predeceased by her 3 brothers and 3 sisters.
She attended Sacred Heart School where she learned French and English. She had to leave school after Grade 10 to help the family financially and worked in a sewing factory making drapes. Esther met Al through a friend and they really hit it off. They soon married and had 2 boys. She was primarily a stay at home Mom. She took care of the family preparing tasty meals, sewing fashionable clothes and giving moral support whenever it was needed. Her hobbies were crocheting, knitting, sewing and making ceramics. She and Al had travelled to Acapulco and did family road trips with the boys.
Everyone liked Esther for her calm easy go lucky demeanour. She was naturally happy and liked the simple things in life. She loved to dance and knew all of the dances of the 40’s and 50’s like the jitterbug, swing and the jive. Esther also enjoyed 5 pin bowling. She learned to swim in her 50’s at the YMCA. Esther loved animals and always had a dog. For many years, she and Al enjoyed going to Morden’s Meadows where they had a nice mobile home and made many wonderful friends there. She loved watching her favourite shows on TV; The Price is Right, The Lawrence Welk Show, Wheel of Fortune and The Young and the Restless.
Our family would like to thank all of the wonderful dedicated staff at Middlechurch Home. Every one of the workers were very kind to her and they often could be seen giving her a hug or a kiss. They said she was one of the sweet ones. A special thank you to Peter Nawrot, the social worker at Middlechurch Home. When he heard Mom was not doing well he got in touch with a local priest, Paul Patrick, who came over right away and said prayers for her.
Cremation has taken place and according to her wishes there will be no formal service.
