elevated DMFwH March 29, 1933 – May 3, 2026

elevated DMFwH Visitation
Monday, May 11, 2026 from 10 – 11:45 am

elevated DMFwH 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 DMFwH To view the Funeral Mass live, please click here.

elevated DMFwH Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7

elevated DMFwH Reception to Follow
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6

elevated DMFwH 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 DMFwH 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 DMFwH 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 DMFwH 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 DMFwH 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 DMFwH 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 DMFwH 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 DMFwH 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 DMFwH 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 DMFwH Great Nana to Emery, Kylie, Kayce, Mackenzie, Grace, Colin, Reese, Mason, Jameson, Hudson, Lucas, Ruby, Bianca, Giovanni, Skylar, Scarlett, Adelaide, and Lorelai.

elevated DMFwH 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 DMFwH 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 DMFwH In Lieu of flowers we ask for donations to the Covenant House.

elevated DMFwH