Obituary of Eileen Johnston

November 28, 1935 - Quebec City, Quebec
April 25, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Eileen M. Johnston (née Murphy) - an outstanding wife, mother, and grandmother. Born in Quebec City, and later living in Montreal, her educational achievements include McGill University and The Montreal General Hospital School of Nursing. Eileen became a Registered Nurse (R.N.) in 1958, rising to the position of head pediatric nurse at Montreal Children’s Hospital prior to marrying her dearest husband Linwood (Lin) Johnston (a McGill Engineer) in 1964. After a short stint for the couple in Exshaw, AB, a return to Montreal where all three children were born. Another move west in 1972 and the family of five became Calgarians.

In addition to raising three active children, Eileen’s reputation as a committed volunteer and board member of many organizations is stellar: Rotary Partners (president, Paul Harris fellow), Professional Engineers Wives, Samaritan Club of Calgary, Glenbow Museum and Y.W.C.A., amongst them. Her second nursing career, first in geriatric nursing and then Occupational Health at Calgary Foothills & Peter Lougheed Hospitals, gave a source of pride and meaning in Eileen’s later life, especially when working with nursing students.

Eileen’s infectious laugh, welcoming smile, love of gathering family and friends, and hosting elegant parties under the guise of any excuse are truly hallmarks of her social and generous nature. Anyone who knows Eileen well, appreciates her pride in Irish heritage (although a 5th generation Canadian), favourite colour of Kelly green, and wearing her lovely bright scarves from around the world.

Eileen’s greatest memories include time with her children and grandchildren, Hillcrest Ave SW neighbours, multiple bridge groups, winters in Scottsdale with Lin, golfing friends, and the Whiff & Snort Group. Many thanks to all for their support and kind wishes.

Eileen was predeceased by her loving husband of 42 years, Linwood (Lin) Johnston on May 26, 2006. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Katherine Johnston and Torbjørn Album (West Vancouver, BC); son and daughter-in-law, Lloyd Johnston and Melissa Hart (Belmont, MA); son Charles “Chuck” Johnston (Calgary, AB); and cherished grandchildren Christopher and Magnus Johnston Album, and Jake, Sydney and Kelsey Johnston.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB). Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

Thank you to the kind and caring staff at The Manor Village Garrison Woods and Dr. Michael Geoghegan the last 2.5 years, and decades of care of both Eileen and Lin by Dr. Terry Groves.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta (www.heartandstroke.ca). 

In living memory of Eileen Johnston, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.