Shirley Maxine Johnston
November 10, 1931 - October 17, 2013
As published in the November 11, 2013 World-Spectator
Shirley Maxine was born on November 10, 1931, in Maryfield, the second child, born to Oscar and Jessie Dixon. She grew up with her brothers Merrill, Berry and Walter. Growing up, the Dixon children learned the meaning of hard work and pitching in. Shirley and her brother Merrill hauled milk door to door for years, winter and summer until the other two boys were old enough to help. Lots of chores had to be done before and after school which they attended in Maryfield.
Shirley married Thomas Henry Johnston on November 27, 1954. They took up residence on the Johnston family farm south of Maryfield. There they raised their six children, Rick, David, Corrine, Tammie, Patty and Heidi. In 1972 the family moved into town, living in the house that belonged to Shirley’s parents and where Shirley was born and raised.
Shirley was a faithful Anglican church member, Sunday school teacher, ACW member and was on the church vestry board. She was a Cub Scout leader and taught 4-H. She knit and crocheted afghans, blankets, sweaters and quilted quilts for her children and grandchildren and even some of her great-grandchildren. Shirley was a great gardener; she planted and reaped bushels of produce over the years and had beautiful flowers in her yard.
Shirley was the family historian. She would never miss a family function, birthday, funeral, anniversary or wedding. On her return home she would recite who she had seen and how they fit into the family tree.
She enjoyed travelling and visited Alaska and Hawaii as well as many trips to visit family and friends across Canada. She especially loved camping with her children and later on with her grandchildren. Her last camping trip was in July 2013 near Swift Current with many family members present. This was a highlight for her as she thought her camping days were over.
Following a stroke in 2011, Shirley went to live with her daughter Patty in Swift Current for a short time before becoming a resident of the Swift Current Palliser Regional Care Centre. While there she enjoyed many visits from family and friends passing through. Shirley Maxine Johnston passed away on October 17, 2013.
Shirley leaves to mourn her son Rick (Sandra), son David, daughters Tammie (Saleh Gader), Patty (Albert Dyck) and Heidi (Eric Robichaud), as well as 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who called her Nana.
She will be missed by her brothers Merrill (Jean) and Walter (Mary), son-in-law Jim Brown along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
She was predeceased by her father Oscar Dixon, brother Berry Dixon, husband of 42 years Tom Johnston, son-in-law Lester Fehr, mother Jessie Dixon, and daughter Corrine Brown.
Shirley’s life touched many, so many smiles shared and so many memories will live in our hearts forever.
A funeral service was held in Maryfield United Church on October 26, 2013 with Rev Michael Rossouw and Rev Delta Kelly officiating. Linda Roberts sat at the guest book, ushers were Jim Kay and Doug Brady, and pianist was Carol Veysey, with special music by Leonard Downer. The eulogy was delivered by Nora Lynne Hill. Scripture was read by granddaughter Gayla Schmidt and urn bearer was grandson, Jamie Johnston. Interment was in Maryfield Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home in Swift Current and G.R. Carscadden Funeral Home in Moosomin.
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