Judith “Judy” Johnstone, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Lorlie, SK, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2017, at Points West Living, at the age of 76 years. Judy Johnstone (nee Welsh) was born July 9, 1941. When she was born, her Dad was overseas, fighting in World War II. She met him when she was 4 years old. When the hospital trains came in and the soldiers were coming off, she kept asking her mother, “is that my daddy?” Judy’s parents settled and started farming in Lorlie, SK. She went to elementary school in the community of Lorlie, then had to travel to Luther College in Regina for high school. Judy earned her Certificate of Education at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. Her first job was in the little southern Saskatchewan, community of Oungre, this was where Judy Welsh met Jerry Johnstone. They married July 18, 1964 and lived in Weyburn, SK. Judy could not get a job teaching, so she worked in the telephone office, switch board. She then started subbing at the Composite High School in Weyburn. They had two girls: Jennifer Anne and Janette Lynn. Judy stayed at home, working hard, running the household, being involved in the girl’s activities and volunteering for different groups. Jerry worked for Pan Canadian Petroleum. During the oil boom, in the fall of 1980, Jerry’s company transferred the family to Grande Prairie, AB. Judy stayed at home while the girls were in school. She volunteered a couple of years with the Literacy Program, teaching new immigrants English as a second language. One time, she was granted the honour of Volunteer of the Year. In 1982, Judy went back to the UofR in SK and obtained her Degree in Education in order to work in Grande Prairie. After getting her degree, she did some subbing, then got on at the GPRC, where she taught until 2006, when she retired. Judy and Jerry did a lot of golfing, curling, camping and a bit of travelling over the years. Shortly after, Dementia was detected and progressed, Judy stayed home until July 2016. She then went into the nursing home, where she passed away. She will be fondly remembered by her husband Jerry Johnstone; and children: Jennifer (Steve) Edwards, Janette (Rick) Pandachuck; grandchildren: Jordan (Nathan) Froese, Shelby Edwards (Davin), Cole (Sara), Bobbi (Zach), and Jamie Pandachuck’ great- grandchildren: Easton Edwards-Gardiner, Natalie Froese, Skylar, and Grayson; sisters: Elaine (Harold) Lemieux, and Pat Ottenbriett; as well as nieces, nephews and their families. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at St. Paul’s United Church in Grande Prairie, AB (10206 100 Ave.) In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society (#102, 9823 - 116 Ave. Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 4B4) or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com
