It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness as a family that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother Dianne Johnston following a brave and courageous battle with cancer on August 17, 2022.
Dianne was born in Toronto on October 25, 1943 to the late Lou and May Lockhart. She was their youngest child and the only girl amongst three boys Bob (Shirley), Glen (Rita) and Lloyd (Sophie). She married her best friend Lloyd Johnston on July 10, 1993 in Magnetewan, ON. She became a mother to his four children whom she loved as her own. Together they built a life full of joy, happiness, and love until his passing May 17, 2006. She will be missed by her children Tim Starkell, Sheri (Gerald) Lehto, Don (Jodi) Starkell and Colin Starkell. Mary Johnston, Chris (Ann) Johnston, Robert (Bryan) Johnston and Sara Johnston. She had such a special bond with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Melanie, Ryan, Gerald, Amanda, Casey, Chelsey (Jessie), Kassandra, Courtney, Dan (Kristina), Alex, Jessica, Tessa, Amber, Michael, Morgan, Maria, and Kosta. Karter, Kennedy, Aria, Quaden, Michael, George, Rose, Ellie, and Lucy.
Just before her passing she said to us “I have the best family, I am so blessed.” We all looked around at each other without this amazing, caring, loving, selfless woman, we would not be the people we are today, so for that it is us who say thank you and it is us who are truly blessed.
May you rest in peace, Dianne, until we meet again.
A Celebration of Life for Dianne will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Valley East Lions Club (4611 St. Joseph’s Street, Hanmer, ON). Remembrance donations made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en would be greatly appreciated.
I’ll always remember your mom’s welcoming smile, her warm hug, and her beautiful heart. I’m sincerely sorry for your loss, and I want you to know that you’re in my thoughts.
Marianne
September 6, 2022