SYLVIA (SOPHIE) JOHNSTON (KRYSOWATY)

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SYLVIA (SOPHIE) JOHNSTON (nee KRYSOWATY) January 25, 1923 - November 2, 2014 In loving memory we celebrate the life of our mother in her 91st year and announce her passing after a brief illness. Sylvia leaves to mourn her passing, five children, Dale (Penny), Jim (Judy), Ivy (Rick) Enns, Russell, and Donna (Lee) Pomfret, as well as 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. One of 10 children, Mom was born in the Winthrop area of the Beckenham district in Saskatchewan to parents Harry and Katrina. She was predeceased by sisters Jean and Anne and brothers Alex, Steve, Fred, Walter, Mike and Peter. Her brother Nick lives in Edmonton. Mom left the farm for city life in Vancouver and then Winnipeg. She married Dad, Russ Johnston, on his birthday in 1947 at St. Giles United Church in Hamilton, Ontario. We lived on Assiniboine Avenue in Westwood till 1965, at which time we moved to Davis Crescent and Mom and Dad parted ways. Mom never remarried and our dad passed away in 1989. Mom lived in Transcona for the last 23 years, treasuring her independence. Her favourite spot was the deck outside her kitchen where she spent hours soaking up the sun at every opportunity and had the gift to make anything grow. Mom worked as a machinist in a war munitions factory before marrying. Later she was employed in a honey factory, a nurse's aide, parking attendant, cashier for a dry cleaner as well as a night matron in a home for unwed mothers. Always a proponent of education, she herself went back to school and attained a certificate in Adult Basic Education from Red River College at the age of 54. Always a caring mother, thinking of others, she will be missed more than words can say. We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Abdulrehnan and the nurses in Emergency and 3rd Floor of Concordia Hospital. We are so grateful for the care and compassion shown to Mom and all who visited. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at Jim and Judy's, Sunday, November 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flowering plants in January. Promise of spring to come. Wholesome food, one potato, onions, carrot "Save the potato water." Scraps of fabric, cotton, wool. Cut and sewn, threads entwine. Grey and blue eyes sparkling, Mischief lurking, often teasing. Humour in least expected situations, Guards lowered, "lighten up". Cup of coffee, shows on TV "How the world turns." Simple pleasures. Green of spring, bloom of summer Leaves of fall. Wild roses abound. Life not the easiest, lonely days, Words left unsaid, reconciliation denied. Experiences to share, lessons to heed. How will our own advanced years fare? Requiem for Mom November morning sun - Fallen flower fades In shade of empty swing. - 2.11.14 Funeral Arrangements in Care of Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street 204-224-1525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2014