Obituary of Marion JOHNSTONE

June 30, 1938 – Drumheller, AB April 13, 2014 – Calgary, AB E. Marion Johnstone (nee Turner) of Calgary passed away on Sunday April 13th, 2014 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by her family at the Carewest Sarcee Hospice. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend Glen, her son Craig (Val), daughter Gayle (Mike), daughter Lynne (Dean), grandchildren Stephen, Nicole, Peter, Keith, Courtney and Spencer, brother Bill (Irene) Turner, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Marion was predeceased by her parents Margaret and Gordon Turner of Stettler and her sister Joyce (Eric) Bisgrove of Kimberley. Marion was born in Drumheller on June 30, 1938. She grew up on the family farm near Munson, Alberta. When she was 10, they moved to Stettler where her father ran a farm implement dealership for many years. She attended high school there and graduated as a Registered Nurse from the University of Alberta in 1960. She married Glen Johnstone of Stettler in July of 1960. They moved shortly after to Regina, Sask. where they settled happily into life, becoming diehard Riders fans and starting a family. Marion worked as a public health nurse in both Saskatoon and Regina as they moved between the two cities. She volunteered with the Kinettes Service Club in both cities, spending many hours assisting with various community initiatives. In 1976 Glen was transferred to Calgary and the family moved to Lake Bonavista where they lived for over 30 years. Marion continued nursing and was one of the first graduates of the Grant MacEwan program for Occupational Health. She took a position with TransAlta Utilities becoming their first nurse and writing her own job description, establishing a benchmark of hard work and high achievement. She founded many programs within the company promoting health and wellness, providing much needed support and counselling for those experiencing substance abuse problems. It was also her job to fly in to remote plants to check the health and safety of field workers where she proudly wore her hardhat. She did this without complaint many times each year despite a fear of flying. Marion was a dedicated TransAlta employee for 16 years until her retirement in 1998. As a TransAlta retiree Marion, along with Glen, was active in the TransAlta Retirees Association (TARA) involved in many projects including the Food Bank garden, and it was with great delight that Marion drove the tractor whenever they would let her. She was a regular contributing columnist to the TARA newsletter, providing health and wellness advice. Marion was a lifelong member of the United Church and she and Glen have been members of McDougall United for more than 35 years. Ever the organiser, Marion was very involved with the church helping in any capacity required whether leading CGIT or chairing various committees. Both Marion and Glen were active participants with Inn From The Cold, for indeed Marion exemplified a spirit of giving and community involvement throughout her life. Family was central in importance for Marion and she spent as much time as she could with her parents at their cottage in Rochon Sands on Buffalo Lake. She also spent a great deal of time at the Johnstone family farm just outside of Stettler and she greatly enjoyed the regular Johnstone family reunions. Her deep love for Glen was always evident as was her love and concern for her children. Marion took great delight in her six grandchildren and often her own children would receive a phone call from Marion saying, “I need to see those grandbabies!” Despite various health challenges which included a diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome in 2005, Marion remained positive, meeting every challenge head-on. She maintained her sense of humour throughout and had a joke or quip for most situations. Her optimistic outlook, steadfast work ethic and love of life permeated everything she did. Even when dealing with her own significant health issues right up to her time in the hospice, Marion was concerned with the health and welfare of all those she knew and loved whether friend or family. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. Thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff at the Carewest Sarcee Hospice. They made Marion’s last days as comfortable as possible and their care and compassion are greatly appreciated by all of Marion’s family and friends. For those who so wish donations may be made in her name to Calgary Inn From The Cold, The Arthritis Society or McDougall United Church Benevolent Fund. Funeral Services will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca Street S.E.) on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Marion Johnstone, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.