Obituary of Elizabeth Lois Johnston

Celebrating Beth

1932-2020

Johnston, Beth:  What a life!  Beth was a gregarious, generous and energetic 87-year-old, who enthusiastically would roll up her sleeves and help anyway she could.  While her death came unexpectedly this last Wednesday April 1st, it was an event she anticipated with the calm assurance of knowing where she was going. She always expressed deep gratitude to God for her exceptional health which afforded her the opportunity to serve both her church and neighbour communities in a variety of ways.  Yet she frequently reminded those around her that she was ready to go whenever God wanted her!

Beth started her life in Quito, Ecuador the daughter of missionaries Herbert and Ruth Johnston.  Although she was a very young when they returned from overseas ministry, this experience and her mother’s devotion for serving, inspired Beth’s long love of missions and service. 

She exhibited this passion not only in her Christian community but also in her compassionate work as a police officer for Toronto Police Services, working first as a patrol officer then with young offenders and finally the school safety program.  Her enthusiasm for life evidenced itself in her love of travel and the Johnston tradition of exploring (who knew there are at least 50 ways to Pleasant Manor). She loved to drive, and she used this enjoyment to help those around with rides to appointments or errands. She enjoyed a good laugh and sharing a joke, she found pleasure in reading and nature, particularly the snuggles of a puppy or kitten.  Her greatest love though was the word of God which she painstakingly studied making notes in the tiniest handwriting on scrapes of paper or journals.  She leaves behind a host of friends all of whom she took pleasure in and cherished deeply.

She is survived by her brother Richard (Beulah), FL, nephew Gary (Kira), nieces Cindy (Paul), Sandy (David), sister-in-law Verna AB, nephew Terry, nieces Maryel (Tim), Anna (Andy), Luisa (John) and a multitude of Grand and Great-grandnieces and nephews.

She is now reunited with her parents Wm. Herbert and Ruth Johnston (nee Tyson), her brother A. Arthur Johnston, niece Rebecca Dick (nee Johnston), grandniece Sarah Dick.

A memorial service will take place Saturday, September 26 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Church, 89 Scott St., St.Catharines.  Pre-registration required at www.calvarychurchonline.ca. Masks will be required and all provincial COVID restrictions will apply.