Rose Regina Johnston

The family of Rose Regina Helen Johnston, 88 of Abbotsford, BC are mournful to announce her passing on May 1st, 2026, at Maplewood House, where she lived in long-term care for the past 3 and half years.

Rose was born in Kelowna, BC on February 23, 1938, to Veronika and Nicolae Bulach. Her family lived in Rutland after immigrating from Romania in 1930, and at 10 months old, Rose lost her father to a tragic logging accident. Her family then moved to Kelowna, and she was surrounded by her many older brothers and sisters, who ensured much activity, love and support. Rose attended Catholic school and upon graduating moved to Vancouver, BC to attend nursing school at St. Paul's Hospital, graduating as a Registered Nurse.

While living in Vancouver, Rose met Jack Johnston and they were married in 1961 and lived in Burnaby BC. Soon their first daughter Evelyn was born in 1962, and a year later, Eileen arrived. With two young children, the family moved to Steelhead, BC in 1964, where Rose gave birth to another daughter, Annette, in the same year. In 1972, their son Michael was born, and the family continued to enjoy the small community of Steelhead. Rose was part of the community association and wrote monthly updates for the local paper, the Mission Record.

In 1967, Rose began her 29-year nursing career at Mission Memorial Hospital where she worked with pride, compassion and much dedication. In her last 10 years, she worked in maternity, which was truly meaningful work to her.

Rose’s favourite pastime was reading the Vancouver Sun paper front to back, while listening to favourite music. For many years she was involved with the Molson Indy Vancouver Champ Car street racing, as part of the paramedic team. Rose was a lifelong sports fan of baseball and hockey, and if you arrived to visit you would find her watching a game and cheering for either the Red Socks, Blue Jays, or Canucks!

Nothing gave Rose more joy than her yearly vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with her beloved sister Mary. Over those 30 years, family joined them for fun in the sun.

In Rose’s senior years she lived at Chartwell’s Cedarbrook Residence, where her family would see her joyfully take part in many activities.

Rose was proud of and is survived by her children Evelyn Armstrong (Alan) of Vernon BC; Eileen Johnston (Tony) of Mission, BC; Annette Johnston (Dewayne) of New Westminster, BC; and Michael Johnston of Chilliwack, BC. Much love was given to her five grandchildren Katherine (Sam); Ashley; Steven (Femi); Hailey, and Emma (aka Emry). Rose was blessed with 4 great grandchildren Khloe, Felix, Sophia, and Sep.

With much gratitude, the family wishes to thank the compassionate and dedicated staff at Maplewood House in Abbotsford.

There will be a celebration of life on June 13th, 2026, 11:00 am at Mission’s Woodlawn, Dignity Memorial Funeral Home on Horne Street.