JOHNSTON, Maureen Ruth Johnston

The family of Maureen Ruth Johnston, MD, FRCPC (Paediatric) is profoundly sad to announce the loss of our intelligent, bright and resilient sister, aunt and great-aunt. Maureen died of complications from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in London, Ontario on Thursday, August 28, 2025. She passed peacefully in the comfort of her home. Maureen was born on December 27, 1954 in Dauphin, Manitoba, to parents Jim and Pauline Johnston. She grew up on the family farm near Fork River, Manitoba, with four brothers and one sister. Maureen was a bright and smart young girl. As a child you would often find her reading books far beyond her years – her enjoyment of learning was top priority. For her early schooling, Maureen attended, the Mowat School, a one room school house about a one mile walk from the farm. She attended the Dauphin Collegiate Technical Institute for high school, where she met her good friend Debbie Martin. After high school Maureen decided upon a career with computers, completing her courses at Red River College in Winnipeg. After a few years working for the T. Eaton Company she realized this was not the career for her, even though she excelled in it. She wouldn’t miss the high heels or make-up either. Maureen took time off and went travelling abroad. Upon her return to Winnipeg, she had decided on a Medical Profession. She was accepted to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba; she graduated in the Spring Convocation, May 27, 1983, the 100th Anniversary of the Faculty. Maureen then took additional training, specializing in Paediatrics. Maureen you made us proud. Maureen began her medical career at H.S.C. Children’s Emergency in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After working at H.S.C. for a few years, she then accepted a position with the Paediatric Emergency Department as an Emergency Room Physician, Children’s Hospital Of Western Ontario in London, where she worked until 2012. Maureen retired from private practice in 2019. Maureen had found the right career. She was an excellent emergency paediatrician, and loved all of her little patients. She was known for her diagnostic skills particularly identifying skin diseases. She was also involved with a non-profit organization, “The Blue House Effect”, becoming a valuable member of the volunteer team providing medical and other assistance to an orphanage in La Urena, Dominican Republic, for about ten years. Maureen worked at a paediatric general clinic for the last several years of her career. She served every one of her communities well helping many, many families and children along the way. Maureen was a connoisseur of fine wine and dining, and had a flair for cooking. She was inspired by Julia Child, an American Chef who brought French cuisine to the public. Her love for cats included Nigel, who accompanied her on the move to London; Hamish, Holly and her latest cat Dulaly were adopted from the London Humane Society. Dulaly was renamed from her original moniker, Honeydew, to reflect her true nature (Dulaly translating to “slightly crazy”). Maureen is pre-deceased by parents Jim and Pauline Johnston; brother-in-law, Barrie Moore; and great-nephew Gregg Johnston. She is survived by brothers, Jim (Sally), Larry (Cindy), Bob (Kate), and Wayne; sister Marilyn Moore (Finn Jensen); and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a circle of close friends who will miss her terribly, including life-long friend Debbie Martin (Larry); and, Don and Jackie who she worked with in London. The family is grateful for the love and support Maureen’s “Friday luncheon friends” gave her and us. Special thank yous go to Sheryl Harris (& family) and Peggy Matser for providing care and concern over the last years of Maureen’s life, and helping her facilitate continued connections to her family, her community, and fulfill her final wishes. Peggy, among other things, arranged a zoom call June 21, 2025, so Maureen could participate in our Johnston’s Family Rally. Our family would also like to thank her Medical Care Team; palliative care staff and PSWs (personal support workers) from Right At Home. Maureen was un-apologetically her “own person”. We love you. We miss you. Our loss is immeasurable. Cremation has taken place. No formal service is planned.