Mary Joyce Johnston
MARCH 7, 1926 – JULY 22, 2023
Mary Joyce Stewart /Johnston was born a beautiful baby girl March 7th, 1926, In London, England and what a life she led from that point on. Mom survived the great bombings of London during the second world war and narrowly missed having her future 4 children when an undetonated bomb passed through her bed as she sought refuge in a bomb shelter. She grew into a vibrant adventurous young woman who took a chance on a young Canadian war veteran named Marvin Stewart when she said yes to marriage shortly after World War 2. The adventure continued when she boarded the Queen Mary with countless other War Brides to make the voyage to Halifax, Pier 21 and her new country Canada. What a sight that must have been! Joyce, as her friends and family called her then travelled to Fredericton, N.B. where she was the proud mother of Stephen (Linda) Gary (Bette Jean) Linda (Pat Merrick) and John (Cheryl). That in itself was a continuation of the adventure as any parent could attest to. Alas the adventure experienced a tragedy when Joyce’s husband Marvin passed away unexpectedly. After years of grieving, she ventured West to see her daughter Linda who resided in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. It was here she met the second love of her life Morley Johnston, a true wheat farmer and great lover of the land. Together with Joyce the city girl from London, England they lived a glorious life on the farm for 35 plus years until Morley too passed away, not too long ago. Joyce learned how to harvest wheat, drive trucks, birth cows and cherish the land she grew to love. After Morley passed Joyce’s adventure continued when she moved to Spruce Grove, Alberta to be closer to her daughter Linda and son Gary where she spent many years enjoying her western family. Joyce was accepted to the Stony Plain Care Centre for the last leg of her adventure where she passed quietly at the grand old age of 97 on July 22nd, 2023. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the excellent staff at the Centre whose devotion and care for Joyce is unsurpassed.
It is with heavy hearts we celebrate Joyces passing, and I say celebrate because what an adventure her life was. She lived life to the fullest and always had time for her children, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. What a legacy she leaves behind.
The final chapter in the adventure of that beautiful girl from London will be a celebration of her life in her most cherished place by the farm in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan to rest with her husband Morley.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ParklandFuneralServices.com for the Johnston family.