Helen passed away peacefully at the Pembina-Manitou Health Centre at the age of 87 years.
She leaves behind daughters, Duff and husband, Tom Hamilton, Butch and husband, Ike Schmidt, grandchildren, Jason Hamilton, Gary Harding, great granddaughter, Hadley, Kevin Hamilton (Heather), great grandchildren, Chloe and Parker, Sheryl Bruce (Randy), great grandchildren, Alyssa (Ally), Brianne (Bri), Addison (Addy), her sisters, Jean Ching, Ann MacDonald, Bernice Morin, Heather Mackenzie (Len) and many nieces and nephews as well as brothers-in-law, Bob Johnston (Ruth), Ed Kenaschuk and sister-in-law, Edith Johnston. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Orville in 1990, brother, Jake MacDonald and sister, Ruth Nichol.
Helen was born in 1935 the third daughter of Don and Elva MacDonald and raised on the family farm north of Darlingford. She met and married Orville Johnston in 1953 and they started their marriage in Flin Flon. She had two daughters, Duff and Butch. They worked their way back to Darlingford where they bought a farm. Mum worked right alongside dad; they farmed grain, milked cows, raised pigs and chickens, etc. Later on, they gave up milking cows seven days a week. Mum’s hobbies were entertaining friends and neighbors. She always made time to boil up a pot of coffee and set out a plate of dainties except for on Mondays which was wash day and everyone knew to stay away. Mum was a great baker and gardener and loved her flowers. She cleaned her windows weekly and the house was spotless. She sewed all our clothes and because we were the same size, we were always dressed the same. She was a hard act to follow. Mum and dad took us on family vacations to Flin Flon. They enjoyed camping for many years and took trips to Hawaii, Australia, Cuba and Palm Springs. They spent winters in Arizona after retirement. Mum played piano for many singsongs and went to every dance the Darlingford hall had. She was a happy, bubbly short woman, hence the nicknames, Slim or Shorty. We will miss her dearly but know that she is with the love of her life, Orv.
A graveside service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday November 25 at Darlingford Cemetery. A celebration of life will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday July 1, 2023 at Ike and Butch’s home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the Pembina-Manitou Health Centre.
Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden
In care of arrangements
wiebefuneralhomes.com