JOHNSTON, Ellen
1938-2025
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beautiful Mom, Nana, Great nana, Ellen Johnston. Ellen passed away July 12, 2025 at the age of 86. Ellen was born to James and Elizabeth McNally on October 2, 1938 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Ellen married the love of her life, Raymond, on April 23, 1962, in St. Mary’s Star of The Sea church, N. Ireland. Ray and Ellen enjoyed sixty-two wonderful years of marriage prior to Ray’s passing May 13, 2024. Together they raised five children, Donna, Paul, Martin, and Tara all born in Northern Ireland. The family immigrated to Canada in 1976, and welcomed their son, Mark in 1980, Red Deer Alberta. Mom worked at various jobs including secretarial work, cosmetician and store management, but her life’s work was raising her family. Mom loved to travel, and she and her family took many trips together including camping in the Rocky Mountains, trips to the USA, and many trips back to Ireland. Mom loved nothing more than throwing a few suitcases in the car and heading off down the highway, sometimes with no clear destination in mind. Mom also took great pride in her garden, so much so that we often compared it to the Botanical gardens. Mom was also an avid reader and was keenly aware of all the major news events. She also loved nothing more than getting together and watching the Oilers play. One of Mom’s great joys was providing her entire family with generous amounts of her famous Irish potato bread and soda bread. Mom took great pleasure in attending the many sporting events for her numerous grandchildren and could often be found in the various arenas and soccer fields of Central Alberta cheering on her pride and joy. Ellen will be lovingly remembered by her children; Donna (Ken), Paul (Monique), Martin (Carole), Tara (Sean) and Mark, her grandchildren; Connor (Elyse) Shea (Katelyn) Declan, Brady, Kieran, Breanna, Caelen, Aislinn, Rachel, Brynn (Aidan), Regan, and her great grandchildren, Everly, Beau, Sunny & Norah. She will also be sadly missed by her sisters, Eilish & Rosaleen of N. Ireland and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws throughout Canada, Ireland, and Australia. Ellen was predeceased by her husband Raymond; father, James; and mother, Elizabeth. Her Mother-in-law Kathleen and Father-in-law, Graham. Her brothers-in-law, John, Patrick, Hugh, Graham, and Frank. Her sisters-in-law, Irene, and Margaret.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 6 McMillan Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with The Reverend Father Mirek Kostarzewski Celebrant. Interment will follow at the Alto Reste Cemetery, Red Deer County, Alberta. A livestream of Ellen’s service may be viewed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Facebook or at the following link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068841931293. If desired and in lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Ellen’s honor may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Red Deer Hospice. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2025-07-19
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com