Mary Johnston
elevated N4rH4 March 29, 1933 – May 3, 2026
elevated N4rH4 Visitation
Monday, May 11, 2026 from 10 – 11:45 am
elevated N4rH4 Funeral Mass – Chapel of St. Joseph (within the Funeral Home)
Monday May 11, 2026, at 12:00 pm
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated N4rH4 To view the Funeral Mass live, please click here.
elevated N4rH4 Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated N4rH4 Reception to Follow
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated N4rH4 Obituary
Johnston, Mary Delores, loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully with family at her side on May 3rd 2026 at the age of 93. Her passing was a gradual process due to dementia which meant we lost mom a bit at a time over the years. Her illness meant we learned to meet her where she was on any given day finding joy in those brief moments of recognition.
elevated N4rH4 Mom was born in Summerside, Prince Edward Island on March 29th, 1933, to Harold and Marguerite Huestis. The oldest of four children with a mother battling tuberculosis contracted during her nursing career, mom naturally fell into the nurturing role very early in her life. The Huestis family was a very musical family with each of its members playing at least one instrument. Mom’s talent on the piano was quickly evident, and she could both play from sheet music and by ear. She would hear it once and recreate it.
elevated N4rH4 Mom married James Raymond Johnston (dad) at the age of 21 on February 19th, 1955 in British Columbia where dad was stationed in the Navy. Mom and dad started their family right away and had 7 children in 10 years across various provinces of Canada. (Did I mention mom is Catholic?). Mom’s faith was extremely important to her. Always established with a church wherever they lived, she often became the organist at that church. While at Holy Spirit, there was a time when mom was the sole organist playing for every mass, wedding, or funeral that took place. Mom sought peace in the church and looked to God for strength when dealing with the tragic loss of our brother Patrick at age 6 and our brother Brad at age 31. Never blaming, only drawing on her faith to help her cope. Don’t let her petite frame fool you. She is strong and has taught us to look to our faith to help endure the toughest of times.
elevated N4rH4 While raising her own children mom wanted to contribute to the household income by taking neighborhood kids of working parents in for lunch. As if her own 7 wasn’t enough, and no dishwasher I may add, she calmly added to the chaos which we kids loved. Her life as a homemaker and awesome mom shifted when dad had a stroke. Once again never seeing herself as a victim she decided to join the workforce at Statistics Canada. She loved her job and the women with whom she worked. Never complained about the long commute by both bus and subway and even laughed while telling stories of having fallen asleep AGAIN on the train only to wake up at the last stop on the line.
elevated N4rH4 Mom was happiest around her family and anywhere there was music. She LOVED to be around a baby, loved the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, curling and golf. She was an active participant with dad in their sports viewing and she knew her stuff.
elevated N4rH4 Mom now joins our dad, James Raymond Johnston, our brothers Bradley Harold Johnston, Patrick George Johnston, son-in-law Donald Francis Timleck as well as her parents Harold and Marguerite Huestis, sisters Marlene Wilkins, Anne Gervais and her brother Harold “Sonny” Huestis.
elevated N4rH4 Mom leaves behind a family that, while we take comfort in knowing she is finally at peace, we are broken hearted knowing that we will not see her smile, touch her soft hands or hear her play piano again……at least for now. Those still here singing mom’s praises are her daughter Margaret (Greg), son Raymond (Karen), daughters Julie (John), Mary-Beth (Jeff), and Colleen (James).
elevated N4rH4 Mom also leaves behind her great friend and sister-in-law Mary Johnston. Also sister-in-laws Sister Frances Johnston and Lurla Huestis and brother-in-law Leonard Johnston.
elevated N4rH4 Mom was Nana to many and was happiest in the presence of children. Nana to Ryan (Jaimee-Lynne), Sarah (Luke), Jeremie, Greg (Danielle), Matthew, Patrick (Rachel), Danielle (Marshall), Brad (Brooke), Carolyn (Rhys), Laura (Paul), Cameron, Adam, Nicholas, Madeline (Jared), and Connor (Bri).
elevated N4rH4 Great Nana to Emery, Kylie, Kayce, Mackenzie, Grace, Colin, Reese, Mason, Jameson, Hudson, Lucas, Ruby, Bianca, Giovanni, Skylar, Scarlett, Adelaide, and Lorelai.
elevated N4rH4 We believe that family is based more than on a bloodline. It’s a connection built on love, respect and caring. Mom had this with Frances Percy-Campbell, our outstanding caregiver who assisted us with mom in these later years. Mom referred to her as her friend. Never was there a feeling that this was a job. More like just a visit between two friends who enjoyed each other’s company and both loved ice cream and car rides. Frances, you held a special place in mom’s heart and still do in ours. A huge thank you to the staff of Hillsdale Estates, and particularly the staff on the Blueberry Hill unit. You were outstanding with mom. There was always a feeling of peace when leaving mom knowing you were the same way if family was there as you were when family wasn’t. Thank you for treating mom like she was your family and allowing mom to pass in a peaceful environment as comfortable as home.
elevated N4rH4 Last but never least, Marg (and Greg), There are no words to thank you for all that you have done for mom. You gave us the peace of mind of knowing that mom was always receiving the best of everything. Making sure clothing was labeled, getting her to doctors/dentist appointments etc. the list goes on. Ray and Mary-Beth thank you as well for your endless visits. No matter the weather you made it out. We know mom loved her time with you. Sarah, thanks for always having mom in the Cadillac of whatever equipment she needed. You brought safety to her environment but more importantly your upbeat disposition and immense love for Nana motivated her to do more for you than she would do for others. We are so thankful for you.
elevated N4rH4 In Lieu of flowers we ask for donations to the Covenant House.
elevated N4rH4
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved mother, Mary. She lived a long and meaningful life, and at 93, leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and strength. She was truly the heartbeat of your family, a wonderful person who was full of life and laughter and brought joy to those who knew her. She had a great sense of humour and a special way of making people smile. She was an incredible mother, and it was clear how deeply she loved and cherished her family.
We hope you find comfort in knowing that she is smiling down on all of you, and may the many happy memories you shared together bring you peace and healing in the days ahead. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who loved her.
Sending our love,
Sal, Mary, Adam, Kelly, Olivia, Kezia and Richard.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
So sorry for your loss of a beautiful lady.
She was an amazing lady who raised a wonderful caring family, just like herself.
Rest peacefully Mary.
Love to the entire family
Our families, both Long and Csihás have a rich history that spans some 60 years. The shared experiences from growing up in the same neighbourhood to a lifetime of living that intertwined over the years have imparted a world of memories. We went to school, played baseball in the summer, skated at Inglewood in the winter, played outside until dark.
I have fond memories of Mary playing the organ at church on Sundays and of course at family weddings and funerals. We just took it for granted but now the memory is that much more meaningful.
Upon reflection, Mary was a beautiful soul. Always kind, very smart, a quick wit and exceptionally honest. I loved to hear her PEI family stories, her take on world events, her proud “Mom moments” and of course her banter with Jim. “Oh, Jim” she’d say, shaking her head in amusement.
I used to love our visits over the years. I remember fondly our lunches. We shared and supported each other on the occasions of many weddings, showers and funerals. And I’m so very grateful that she and Jim took an interest in our son Andrew’s time in the theatre and attended many productions. They were good times.
But there were difficult times as well, more than her fair share. Mary’s devotion to her faith gave her strength and resilience to move forward and live and love after unbearable loss. I relied on and learned so much from her during the periods when my mom and brother passed.
Mary’s greatest achievement is her family. There is no family I know that is closer, or as loving and kind to others. She always made me feel like an important member of the extended Johnston family. My gratitude is immeasurable. Thank you Mary for all the life lessons, the beauty, the smiles, the cookies, the handmade kitchen stuff. You made me want to be better. The greatest way to honour you is to pay it forward. You are loved and will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear about Mary’s death. I’m a distant cousin. My dad,( Preston Connolly)and your grandfather Jimmy were first cousins. They had good times together. Mary had so much loss, but always kept her faith in God. She was a special woman. She was always welcoming to our family. I listened to the beautiful mass, and the lovely tributes. They spoke to her faith and her love for her family. You were blessed to have her as your mom. May God bless her and may the perpetual light shine upon her. God bless of you. Paula Forbes (Connolly)
Mary was a neighbour of my late husband John on Blueberry Hill. She was blessed to have a loving and supportive network of family and friends around her. Despite her frailty it was still apparent that she was a lovely, caring and gracious person.
You will all miss her, rest in peace and clarity, Mary.
my apologizies to ALL FOR THE LATENESS. I9 JUST SAW THIS TODAY. HHAD LOOKEDS MANY TIMES WHEN I BECAME AWARE OF MARY’S PASSING AND THEN DUE TO FAMILY ISSUES DIDNT K
LOOK THIS WEEK. WHAT I HAVE TO SAY IS FROM MY WIFE MARIE ALSO . I HAD RFHE PLEASURE OF MEETING MARY BACK AROUND 66 WHEN JIM AQND I WORKED TOGETHER AND AS JIM MOVED TO A NEW JOB ET WE LOST CONTACDT FOR APPROX 14 YRS. ONCE RE-UNITED THE RELATIONSHIP BLOSSOMED AGIAN UNTIL WE MOVED TO OEI IN 1996 AND THEN IT WAS BY PHONE CONTACT AND OF COURSE THE MONTHS OF MAY JUNE JULY AND PART OF SEPT WHEN THYEY CAME TO THIER COTTAGE AT SCHURMANS POINT EVERY SUMMER. WE HAD A SPECIAAL RELATIONSHIP WHICH MEANT SO MUCH TO MARIE AND I ,.. WHEN I FIRST MET MARY I SAW HOW HARD SHE WORKED AS A FAMIKY MOM AND THAT NEVER CESED. SHE WQAAS THE MATIACH AND KEPT THINGS /PEOPLE TOGETHER. I ALWAYS SAID IF THEIR IS SUCH A THING AS SAINTHOOD IN HEAVEN BASED ON A PERSONS PERFORMANCE HER E ON EAETH THEN MARY WOULD QUALIFY IMMEDIATELY . WE HAVE SUCH WONDWEEFUL MEMORIES OF MARY AND JIM( JIM WAS THE BEST FRIEND I EVER HAD AND WE HAD A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP THAT ENDURED MANY HARD TIMES AND SO MANY GOOD TIMES. I HAVE HIS PICTURE ON MY DESK A ND SEE IT EVERY DAY). I COUD GIO ON AND ON AND WRITE A BOOK. BUT I WONT HAHAH. TO THE JOHNSON FAMILY /EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS WE EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND KNOW YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS NOW AND GOUNG FORWARD. RIP MARY TILL WE MEEET AGAIN. GODS BLESSINGS TO ALL. KEN MARIE AND ISABEL.