Jean Belvia Johnston passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011 at the Weyburn Special Care Home. She will be lovingly remembered by her family: daughter Ellie (Richard) Dybvig and their children Trent (Marie) and Tova; daughter Bobbie (Brian) Yausie and their children Darren (Emelie) and Jennifer (Colin) Martinka; and son Garnet and his daughters Jessica and Jaclyn. Also left to mourn are two great grandchildren Grayson Yausie and Colton Martinka; Jean's brother George Crane, sister Edna Crane, three sisters-in-law, Dorothy Allen, Joan Johnston and Eileen Johnston, as well as many nephews and nieces. Jean was predeceased by her husband Walter Johnston, much loved daughter-in-law Ferne Johnston, father and mother John and Belvia Crane, brother Mac, and sisters Margaret, Mary and Doris. Jean was born on the Crane Family Farm south of Weyburn. She attended South Weyburn School, Weyburn Collegiate, and Teacher's College in Regina. She taught school in a number of locations in the southeast of the province. While teaching in Goodwater, she met and married Walter Johnston in 1946. After starting a family, teaching was reduced to part-time so she could assist in a very busy farm family life. In 1973 Jean and Walter sold their farm and retired in Weyburn. Mom spent many happy years raising her three children on the farm and taking part in community and church activities in Goodwater. In Weyburn, she loved working in her garden, going for lunch with friends, participating in activities at Grace United Church, or simply reading a good book. Frequent visits from her family were especially enjoyed and there was always lunch and a cup of tea ready and waiting. Mom was the kind of person who took great joy in everything around her, such as the beauty of nature, family, friends and her cats. Her smile, laugh and warm heart will be affectionately remembered. Mom gave us a chance to see the world in a much richer way. We will miss her dearly. A memorial service will be held in Weyburn in the early summer of 2012. Family and friends will be notified at that time. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Weyburn Special Care Home for their kindness and care for mom during the last six years of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
