Obituary of Helen Lillian Johnston

Our mom, Helen Lillian Johnston (nee Kobliuk) was born on December 2, 1936 in Weasel Creek, Alberta, to Lloyd and Mary Kobliuk. She was the oldest of their seven children, Peter, Elaine, Henry, Tommy, Shirley (aka Tootsie) and Dennis. Early on, Helen proved herself to be intelligent, athletic, social and on occasion, a bossy eldest! We are fortunate to be surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the years. In her last years of high school she met Glenn Johnston who, though only a year older, was her basketball coach. They fell in love and soon married. In 1955, their first daughter Cynthia was born and, in quick succession, Kim, Karie, Heather, and five years later, Glenna Joy came along. One can only imagine her hectic household and life, especially in the early years when, at only at 23 years old, she had four lively little ones running around. And yet, she still gave us birthday parties, wonderful Christmas' (even though one year she threatened no gifts after she discovered that, when she and Dad were out, we had unwrapped our gifts and made clumsy attempts at rewrapping them!), and fun Easters, including Easter egg colouring at the kitchen table. Mom loved playing bridge, and won many a tournament! She bowled, skied, and loved to watch curling on TV. She had an artistic side and had recently started painting again. Our family cabin at One Island Lake was built in the late sixties and we spent the summers there with Mom, while Dad joined us by floatplane, sometimes a couple times a week. Some of our fondest memories arise from times at the lake with family and friends and we continue to go there and gather as often as possible. Mom and Dad insisted all of us attend university and, in order to facilitate this, Dad took a job in Edmonton and moved our family there. This was a huge move as both Mom and Dad had always lived in Dawson Creek and this was where many of their family and friends lived. Mom took exceptional pride in all of us being university graduates. Sadly, as it happens in too many families, their marriage ended. Mom and Glenna moved back to Dawson Creek. Mom had spent all of her adult years being a homemaker and now faced being a single parent and entering the workforce which was not an easy transition. She said many times that she felt very grateful to Wayne Dahlen Sr. for hiring her at our local BC TEL. Mom enjoyed working there and later transferred to Prince George, where she worked until she retired. Then it was back to Dawson Creek! When Mom's health was failing, she eventually moved into Rotary Manor where she passed away quietly on June 1, 2016. She consistently told us kids we didn't have to worry about her because she loved her room and the view. She also said she got such excellent care from the staff at Rotary Manor and we will always be so grateful to the staff of Rotary Manor for all the caring, help and support they provided for our mom over the years and for all the care and visits from family near and far. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Mary, her siblings Tommy and Shirley and her former husband Glenn Johnston, who she still loved to the end. Helen is survived by her five children, their mates and seven grandchildren. If anyone should wish to make a donation in her name, we would greatly appreciate it being made to the Recreation and Activities Program at Rotary Manor 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 5A3. We will always love and remember you Mom. Now, may you rest in peace. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium