Gloria Jean Johnston passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Boundary Trails Health Centre at the age of 76 years old.
Gloria was born on December 14, 1948 in Morden, Manitoba to Robert (Bob) & Verna McElroy of Darlingford. She was the first of four children.
She grew up on the family farm enjoying her family, animals, softball and the outdoors. Gloria attended Zion United Church in the country with her family, and school in the one room Lorne School. She attended high school in Darlingford, as well as Manitou Collegiate and graduated from Nellie McClung Collegiate in 1966 before moving to the University of Manitoba to obtain her Bachelor of Music Degree with a major in piano in 1969.
In June 28, 1969 on the McElroy family farm, she married Melvyn (Mel) Johnston of Mowbray, Manitoba. They started life together in Claresholm, Alberta before moving back to farm with family in Windygates/ Mowbray area in 1971. They had three children, Tracy born 1970, Jason born 1972 and Julie born 1975.
In the 70’s Gloria and Mel were part of a Bible study series which led to her acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
Gloria’s life was filled with working on the farm, raising children, gardening, landscaping, community involvement, church, coaching softball and LOTS of music. She taught piano to kids for over 45 years and founded and conducted the Borderline singers for 25 years. Her creative design resulted in quilts and her dream house that they moved to in Manitou in 2009. Eventually Mel & Gloria started traveling south in the winter to Arizona where Gloria started quilting, crafting and painting in addition to pickleball, watching Mel play softball and lots more music.
Gloria will be remembered for her wit, laughter, compassion, caring heart and drive to help young people achieve their potential. She was known for her smile that lit up a room and put people at ease. Gloria was a partner to her husband Mel, in his passion for farming, 4-H, purebred cattle and finally purebred boer goats.
Gloria leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband Mel Johnston, daughters Tracy & Blaine Vestby of St. Andrews, MB, Julie & Jeff Smyth of Seven Persons, AB, and son Jason & Traci Johnston of Windygates, Manitoba. Sister Mavis & Greg Scharf of Portage La Prairie, brothers Darrell & Lori McElroy of Morden and Brian & Myra McElroy. Grandchildren Camryn & Avery Vestby, Riley (Lauryn) Johnston, Krina (Noah) Hoeppner, Nate & Chase Smyth.
Gloria was born on December 14, 1948 in Morden, Manitoba to Robert (Bob) & Verna McElroy of Darlingford. She was the first of four children.
She grew up on the family farm enjoying her family, animals, softball and the outdoors. Gloria attended Zion United Church in the country with her family, and school in the one room Lorne School. She attended high school in Darlingford, as well as Manitou Collegiate and graduated from Nellie McClung Collegiate in 1966 before moving to the University of Manitoba to obtain her Bachelor of Music Degree with a major in piano in 1969.
In June 28, 1969 on the McElroy family farm, she married Melvyn (Mel) Johnston of Mowbray, Manitoba. They started life together in Claresholm, Alberta before moving back to farm with family in Windygates/ Mowbray area in 1971. They had three children, Tracy born 1970, Jason born 1972 and Julie born 1975.
In the 70’s Gloria and Mel were part of a Bible study series which led to her acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
Gloria’s life was filled with working on the farm, raising children, gardening, landscaping, community involvement, church, coaching softball and LOTS of music. She taught piano to kids for over 45 years and founded and conducted the Borderline singers for 25 years. Her creative design resulted in quilts and her dream house that they moved to in Manitou in 2009. Eventually Mel & Gloria started traveling south in the winter to Arizona where Gloria started quilting, crafting and painting in addition to pickleball, watching Mel play softball and lots more music.
Gloria will be remembered for her wit, laughter, compassion, caring heart and drive to help young people achieve their potential. She was known for her smile that lit up a room and put people at ease. Gloria was a partner to her husband Mel, in his passion for farming, 4-H, purebred cattle and finally purebred boer goats.
Gloria leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband Mel Johnston, daughters Tracy & Blaine Vestby of St. Andrews, MB, Julie & Jeff Smyth of Seven Persons, AB, and son Jason & Traci Johnston of Windygates, Manitoba. Sister Mavis & Greg Scharf of Portage La Prairie, brothers Darrell & Lori McElroy of Morden and Brian & Myra McElroy. Grandchildren Camryn & Avery Vestby, Riley (Lauryn) Johnston, Krina (Noah) Hoeppner, Nate & Chase Smyth.