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TANNIS MAY JOHNSTON (THORPE)
Born: Sep 15, 1947
Date of Passing: Oct 09, 2020
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TANNIS MAY JOHNSTON
(nee THORPE)
SEPTEMBER 15, l947 - OCTOBER 9, 2020
She will be sadly missed by her loving daughter, Christine and husband Dale, son James, and grandson Christopher. Mourning her also are ex-husband Ken; in-laws Lorraine and Lorne, Violet and Fred, Marjorie and David, and Elaine. Lovingly remembered by cousins Terry and Penny, Judy and Eugene; as well as several nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Tannis was predeceased by her parents Charles and Helen Thorpe, her brother Charlie, and brother-in-law Ron.
Tannis was born and raised in St. Vital, and graduated from Glenlawn High School. She was fortunate to retain a lifelong friendship with Denise and Brian Holloway, who were schoolmates at Glenlawn. Cousin Terry and wife Penny also grew up in the same area and their friendship, especially in the past year, meant so much to her. She was always happy to share her childhood memories of growing up on Kingston Crescent.
Tannis had a career with the Royal Bank in the mid-sixties and seventies. It was there that she met Ken, to whom she was married for over 30 years. Their children Christine and James were raised in Charleswood. When her children were young, she ran a daycare in her home for several years.
Tannis was an excellent mother to her children and were the focus of her life. Her extra dedication to James and his needs demonstrates how gifted she was as a mom. There was a special group of neighbors on Donnington Road who were usually available for coffee. They opened their doors to James when he was little, and he knew where everyone's vacuum cleaner was. Thirty-five years later these neighbors continue to support and encourage him. That meant everything to Mom. We had a swimming pool and she enjoyed sharing it with the neighbors and their children. Mom also supported us through life's challenges.
Later, Tannis spent most of her working years at Westdale Junior High School as an Educational Assistant, as she had a special interest in helping children with a variety of challenges. She enjoyed her work and her co-workers very much. As a person, she was kind, easygoing and compassionate.
Tannis enjoyed the sunshine and she was the most tanned person around. Mom loved Victoria Beach and took day trips there when possible, and sometimes rented a cottage with the family for a few weeks. She enjoyed golf with her friends, word puzzles, Sudoku, and the casino in later years. During her life she visited western Canada many times, and in her retirement, she was able to enjoy trips to Las Vegas, Cuba, Mexico and a cruise along the Canadian East Coast.
The family would like to thank the dialysis team at St. Boniface Hospital, Sturgeon Creek 1 Seniors Residence, and Marilyn Barkley from Comfort Keepers for their support during the time of Tannis's declining health, as well as close friends Lynda, Carol and Peggy.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tannis's memory to SCE Lifeworks, 227-530 Century St. Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0Y4 or to Manitoba Down Syndrome Society, 204 - 825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5.
www.voyagefuneralhomes.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 17, 2020
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Fondly thinking of Christine and James' mother. When time allows I will do an act of penance for Tannis' immediate family. - Posted by: Philip (Former fellow Special Olympian) on: Oct 09, 2021
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I saw Dr. Johnston at Dollarama on August 22, 2021. I am a former athlete representative of Special Olympics Manitoba, having served on the Winnipeg Regional Leadership Team, the Board of Directors, and on the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Committee. When I was standing in line I started thinking about all the good times I had with James and his dad from the era I took swimming lessons at Pan Am Pool. - Posted by: Philip (--) on: Sep 05, 2021
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Tannis was a loving sister-in-law and good friend to me. Many memories were made over the years, birthday and Christmas celebrations, just hanging out, and golfing together. She was easy to get along with, having a personality where clashing with someone was not in her being. I am sad that she had such a hard time with her health in the last year and really didn't get to enjoy her lovely Assisted Living place, also because of COVID. May she find peace now. My husband Lorne and I will miss her. - Posted by: Lorraine Johnston (Sister-in-law) on: Oct 23, 2020
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I admired Tannis for her devotion to her family and always got a kick out of her wry sense of humour. She was kindhearted and caring toward all. Tannis will be remembered often as our dear, fun-loving aunt, whose company we enjoyed so much. - Posted by: Lori Paul ( niece) on: Oct 22, 2020
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Dear Christine I am truly sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a lovely lady and great mother. I have known your Mom for 50 years and always thought she was a very nice and special person. She will be missed. - Posted by: Judy Chorney (friend) on: Oct 21, 2020
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Aunt Tannis always treated me so well and was always interested in what was going in in my life. She was the best listener and never judged. My favorite memories are of the gazillion family gatherings we had in her back yard both when she was married to Uncle Ken and after. Pool fun and barbecues! She was always willing to have a large group of us over despite the extra work for her. After I moved to California I continued to enjoy the time we spent together when I was in town. Coming home will never be the same. She will always be cherished and close to my heart. Lenore Johnson Niece - Posted by: Lenore Johnson (Niece) on: Oct 21, 2020
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I would ask that everyone who sees James can take utmost consideration in keeping conversations simple. "Hi, I am happy to see you" would be an ideal approach at this time. Please try to avoid asking common questions like "how are you?", "how have you been keeping?" and "how is your training with Special Olympics?" to Mrs. Johnston's son as I sincerely understand that he is navigating the toughest phase of his life. Thank you for your sincerest understanding. - Posted by: Philip (Friend) on: Oct 20, 2020
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Christine, James, and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Tannis will be missed. May your memories provide comfort, laughter, warmth, love. With sympathy, Karen Brawdy - Posted by: Karen Brawdy (Colleague/Friend) on: Oct 19, 2020
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Christine, sad to hear of your Mom's passing. Our condolences to you James and the family. - Posted by: Bruce McRae (Neighbor ) on: Oct 18, 2020
