Olive Evelyn Johnston
March 19, 1925 – August 27, 2021
As published in the October 11, 2021 World-Spectator
Olive Evelyn Johnston, originally from Welwyn, and who most recently lived at Moosomin Long Term Care for approximately three years.
A life well lived is a beautiful legacy and Mom was blessed with 96 wonderful years—leaving a strong legacy. Our family was lucky to have Mom in our lives for many years, and we’re grateful for every one of them. We are left with cherished memories and the comfort of knowing that Mom is smiling down on all of us—our Guardian Angel, now at Peace.
Mom was born March 19, 1925 at her family home, Cailmount District—the only daughter of Frank Carroll Taylor and Blanch Olive James. Mom passed peacefully on August 27 with family by her side. Mom had four brothers, who she cared for all her life—Carroll, George, Robert and Harvey. Mom was predeceased by her four brothers, six sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law. It was the closing of an era.
Mom married Frank Raymond Johnston on February 13, 1946 and together they farmed and raised four children. Mom and Dad were married for 37 years and during that time, they were fortunate to travel throughout Canada and the USA—lots of laughs and memories have been shared about their travel experiences (wish we could have been on every trip). Dad passed on May 16, 1983 and Mom moved to Rocanville in the fall of 1985. Many people will remember all the fun times that were had at the Johnston farm over the years—of course, there was some work done too!
Mom leaves to mourn her children—Gail (Ulysse Nevraumont), Allan (Judi Park), Lee (Cathy Green), Shelly (Garry Grose) and her pride and joy, her grandchildren—nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren—Edward Nevraumont (Jessica with daughters Evi and Mara and sons Jules and Caelus), Adam Nevraumont (Kate with daughter Julia), Jesse Johnston, Chevy Johnston (daughter Catarina), Montana Johnston (Alejandro with daughters Emelia and Lucia), Madison Johnston, Niko Grose (Jenna with daughter Chett and son Gage), Frankie Bourhis (Logan and son Kade [deceased]) and Jason Grose (Logan with daughters Kinsley and Blayke). Mom is survived by her sister-in-law Pat Taylor (brother Harvey’s wife).
Mom was well known around our local communities as she loved her ball and hockey games, sports days and curling bonspiels—she curled herself for many years, until her knees told her it was time to quit that! Mom later travelled coast to coast in Canada, the USA and over to Europe, cheering on her curling favorites. Once her grandchildren became active with sports, Mom was in the stands, whenever she could be—whether it was a volleyball game, a basketball game or those hockey games, she loved her hockey. She’ll still be cheering and coaching…now from a little further away!
Approximately 20 years ago, Mom’s eyesight began to fail and that was a real hardship for her—she persevered the best she could, but it was tough. She continued to socialize, watch (listen) to sports on TV and attend local hockey games, but we can only imagine how hard it was for her. Mom was not a complainer, but she would be sure to tell you “I can’t see, you know…it’s a Bugger!” Now, she can see again—how wonderful that will be.
Mom was definitely a ‘people person’—who always gave the benefit of the doubt to most everyone. Dancing, cro-hooking (making over 200 blankets), travelling, casinos, visiting and making friends—some of Mom’s favorite things to do. Wherever Mom went, she came back with pictures, memories and at least four or five new friends to add to her Christmas card list—she lived life to the fullest!
Mom also lived life with a purpose, she was our role model. She taught us many things, and the one that meant the most was the importance of family. Mom being the only daughter, and having four brothers, there was lots of work to be done at both the Taylor and Johnston farms—baking, cooking, ironing, gardening, decorating for the Christmas season and Mom was always up to the tasks. When reminiscing, Mom often spoke of all the white shirts to be ironed at the Taylor farm—I don’t think that was a favorite task of hers! In October 1943, Blanch Taylor (Mom’s mother) was in a buggy accident, leaving Blanch with partial paralysis on the right side of her body. Mom was young at the time—and the role of being her Mom’s helper quickly changed to full-fledged responsibilities. Frank Taylor (Mom’s father) suffered health issues later in life—and Mom would talk of her many rushed trips to the hospital with her father.
After marrying Frank Johnston (our Dad) in 1946, she moved to a new farm with ‘hired men’ to feed, a large garden to tend to, a family of four to raise and once again Mom became a caregiver for her father-in-law (Archie Johnston), when his health was failing. Then unexpectedly in 1983, Dad suffered a stroke and Mom was his devoted nursemaid. Yes, she was a very selfless lady and her kind and caring nature served her (and others) well throughout the years!
We will miss Mom and now, we cling to our memories. She was a true inspiration and taught us to find a balance between work and fun and laugher along this journey. We will always remember Mom as being sharply dressed (she loved nice clothes and shopping), she was a kind and caring Mom who also loved to be ‘on the go’, staying current with community events, near and far—and just loving to visit and make new friends.
We’ve received many comments back to us in memory of Mom as being fun-loving, full of laughter, kind and generous—comforting words for our family.
Mom always wore a smile, had a welcoming outlook and her zest for life shone through—a Special Lady! We are so proud to call you our Mom and Grandma—we will always hold a special place in our hearts for you.
Forever isn’t long enough with someone you love; however, you’ve left us beautiful memories and your Love is still our guide. We celebrate you Mom, we miss you and we will do our best to carry on your Love for Life—your Legacy, until we meet again.
Peace, Perfect Peace
♥ Love Always, Your Family
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