LEIGH-A JOHNSTON (O'GRADY)

Condolences & Memories (16 entries)

• My deepest condolences go out to Ms. J's loving children and her family. Your mom was an incredible person and I am so blessed to have met her. I had the pleasure of running into my Gr. 6 art teacher today and she gave me news that shattered my heart. She asked, "What is your name again?" I replied, "Diana Bernardo." Her: "Who was your grade six teacher?" Me: "Ms. J." Her: "Oh yes, Ms. Leigh-a Johnston. Did you know she had passed away?"  I, unfortunately, did not know and instantly burst out in tears and my heart ached so much. Ms. J. was my grade 4-6 teacher at Machray and was my absolute FAVE. She had a heart of a gold, a sense of humour like no other, and cared so much about her students. Ms. J. always rocked this awesome hair-do, got her nails done and her fashion was on point. She taught me the meaning of enjoying life to the fullest. The last time I saw her was in 2003 and a decade later, last year, I saw her in October at Wal-Mart. I had to walk by her three times to make sure it was her and I screamed, "MS. J!!!" She recognized me instantly and we hugged each other so hard. I began to tear and told her I always wondered how she was doing and if I would ever see her again. We talked for nearly 30 minutes and she was so proud of where I was at in my life and could not believe I was standing in front of her, as did I.  Ms. J., that is how much you influenced my life. You believed in me and told me that I could do whatever I want as long as my heart was in the right place. You told me to always smile and laugh so loud, because laughter is the best medicine. Most importantly, you told me to be strong and to never back down from a battle. It pains me to know that you had left this world a month ago and I did not know until today. Your smile instantly popped into my mind, and I know you are up there and at peace. Heaven definitely gained an Angel and you will be deeply missed. Love you, Ms. J.  - Posted by: Diana Bernardo (Former Student) on: May 25, 2014

• HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM....;) LOVE YOU FOREVER AND ALWAYS THANK YOU TO ALL FOR YOUR MEMORIES AND LOVE. Keep posting as long as you can - Posted by: Kim daughter () on: May 10, 2014

• My thoughts and prayers have been with Leigh-a. I met cousin Leigh-a the first time with her sister, Kerryann and their brother, Shaun, when my brother Leslie and our parents traveled to Winnipeg for Leigh-a's wedding. She was 16 and I was 14. Leigh-a was so grown up to me, so much older than I. The last time we spoke was when cousin Clarissa and Leigh-a called me after my too brief visit for Clarissa's 60th Birthday Party--what a surprise! They were having a blast. They certainly were not afraid to live, love and show the world what they were made of. Wonderful, valuable and deeply caring women. No one who met Leigh-a can forget her beautiful shining heart showing through her eyes and smile. My deepest sincere condolences to her family. May fondest memories carry you through this difficult time of loss. - Posted by: Patricia Peterson (Second Cousin) on: May 08, 2014

• I was so sorry to hear of Leigh-a's passing. Leigha and I became friends in 1997 at Greenway School. She was an incredible teacher and friend. I was out of town when she passed and came back Wednesday night. I will always remember her great sense of humour, her beautiful smile, and how she cared for her friends. To her children I am so sorry for your loss I know she loved you all so much. She spoke of you quite a bit R.I. P. my friend - Posted by: Jennie (Matteis) on: May 01, 2014

• Ms J was a great teacher, I wish I could have seen her one more time to thank her for the positive impact she had on my life. A truly wonderful person that brightened up the lives of many people. - Posted by: Elliot harper (Student) on: May 01, 2014

• We had the Honor of knowing and meeting Ms. J almost 23 years ago when she was a teacher at Dufferin Elementary School. Our memories of Ms. J always big hearted and tough. All the kids showed Ms. J the respect she deserved. She was a great teacher, other times she was one strict teacher. I remember if you got in trouble by her she would keep you in during recess and make you do Lines..3 fullscap papers bothsided..lol..she was a great lady. Our condolences to her family & friends and to everyone she has touched. May she be at peace! - Posted by: barbara & wade (was a Student) on: Apr 30, 2014

• You will always have the place in my heart Ms J..You are going to be missed ..Love always and forever Crystal R - Posted by: crystal rudolph (Student ) on: Apr 30, 2014

• One of the greatest teachers in the world. She actually cared about us learning and made class fun at Dufferin school. My fave class was hers. Always remembered you even after I left that school Ms J. Always remembered that happy smile and it's good to see it again in this pic. Will always remember and miss you and see you when I get there. I'm sure so many kids remember you from your amazing teaching skills. So sad to hear of you passing on but I know you're happy up there in HEAVEN, they're lucky to see that smile. - Posted by: frankie francis (former elementary student) on: Apr 30, 2014

• My sincere condolences go out to Leigh-a's family. Leigh-a and I met about 50 years ago and became instant friends. We went through many laughs, tears, failures, and victories together. I so fondly remember our outings to Grama O'Grady's on Saturday mornings. Her singing lessons were another venture we included in this ritual. Her voice was so outstanding it often brought me to tears. I thank the good Lord that I was given the opportunity to call this wonderful woman my dear dear friend. I will miss you. - Posted by: Tina Johnson (Poirier) (Friend) on: Apr 29, 2014

• So sad to hear this,,, Miss J was a brilliant, loving and caring teacher. Throughout these years I thought about her and wondered where she would be teaching and how she was, or I would bump into her standing in line or shopping. She always had a beautiful smile, surprisingly she remembered me even as an adult then would give me a hug and say take care till next time.. she well be deeply missed by many... (student from Dufferin school) - Posted by: Dawn Dumas (student ) on: Apr 29, 2014

• I remember Ms. J as a wonderful teacher. She always had a great big smile and was an amazing teacher. I've seen her around the city as I myself grew into a young adult. She was also a teacher to my deceased brother Joseph Beeper Stanley Spence when we attended Dufferin Elementary School. I will always be grateful for this woman being the wonderful human being she was. I am deeply sorry to hear that you are no longer with us :(may you rest in piece Ms.J and my condolences go to the family XO - Posted by: April Spence (Elementary Student) on: Apr 29, 2014

• Leigh-a was one of my very best "buds" through our teens and 20's. As a matter of fact, we were bridesmaids at each others weddings many, many years ago. She and I did a mean version of "Going to the Chapel" at her wedding. Music and dancing was our thing and we always had a blast together. Our lives took different paths but, I will always remember Leigh-a's beautiful smile and twinkling Irish eyes. R.I.P. dear friend . - Posted by: Elaine Stetina (Malloy) (Friend) on: Apr 28, 2014

• Leigh-a was a great friend to all who knew her and will be missed greatly by the Dufferin group. It was always a joy to stop and chat with Leigh-a. It seemed it was only yesterday that we spoke to her. - Posted by: Allan and Margaret Moar (friend) on: Apr 28, 2014

• Leigh-a will always be remembered by her sweet smile & that "twinkle" in her eyes. Fond memories of our youth come flooding back, when she & my sister Elaine were close buds...special, fun times. She was a very loving, devoted mother & I'm certain a wonderful grandma as well. Our hearts go out to all of you. With sympathy & love, Shelley, Craig & family - Posted by: Shelley (Malloy) Waterman (old friend) on: Apr 28, 2014

• I'm am deeply saddened by the loss - I was so happy to see Leigh-A, talk and laugh with her a year ago when I was in Winnipeg. It's so hard to believe...she was a mother, a friend, a teacher. She was there when you needed her and she taught us to get up and stand tall after falling. "Tears are how our heart speaks when our lips simply cannot find the words to descibe the pain." Her time was short but we will forever have her memories and know she fought with courage. For the time she was here she touched so many lives in many ways! Always Loved, Forever Missed!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at their time of sorrow. - Posted by: Marilyn Anderson (cousin) on: Apr 28, 2014

• Leigh-a's warm smile and personality will always be remembered...from her babysitting me as a child to knowing her as an adult, she always made me feel like part of the family. Rest in peace beautiful xoxo - Posted by: Cheryl Kisil (Family friend) on: Apr 28, 2014