Georgina Johnston

Georgina Margaret Johnston passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, with a few very special people by her side. Gina was born on June 18th, 1951, in Dryden, ON to Mary and George Johnston and was the youngest of three siblings.

Our Gina—momma, and her most proud title, Nani—lived her life to the fullest, day in and day out, and always made whoever she came in contact with feel special and loved.

Georgina spent her early years living in Dryden, Vermillion Bay and Florida eventually settling in Kenora with her parents and siblings. From a young age, Georgina had a passion for fashion with dreams of working in the industry—and she accomplished just that. From participating in high school fashion shows and being crowned Miss Mustang to attending school for fashion merchandising and teaching it across Canada, to running a modeling agency in Vancouver and organizing runway shows as far away as Mauritius, Gina was living her dream.

Eventually, there was one last dream she hoped to accomplish and that was becoming a mother. Georgina and her partner, Michael, returned home and gave birth to their pride and joy, Montana. Gina spent all her spare time taking Montana to extracurricular activities, planning sleepovers, scavenger hunts, and so much more. As Montana grew older and Georgina retired from her position at Bell, she was able to enjoy her time at the water, sitting on the dock at their home on Coney Island. She could spend hours there. It was her happy place.

Our Gina's next big accomplishment was becoming "Nani" to Everett on October 28th, 2018, and Hunter on June 20th, 2020. Nani was—and always will be—remembered for her Coney Beach adventures, school pick-ups and drop-offs, notoriously falling asleep with them in their beds and never missing an event. (We aren't kidding—the zoo, recitals, shopping, children's museum, swimming lessons, hotel sleepovers...you name it, Nani was there.) Nani left a very special mark and taught many lessons to both Everett and Hunter. She will live on in both of them.

In June of 2022, Montana took Gina to Italy for her birthday. Italy was #1 on Gina's bucket list because of the story Eat, Pray, Love. They spent 10 amazing days traveling the country. Pasta, pizza, and wine were enjoyed daily. Gina even got her first (and only) matching tattoo with Montana. Lifelong memories were made.

Georgina was predeceased by her father, George; mother, Mary; sister, Mary Elizabeth (Betty); nephew, Michael; mother-in-law, Eveline; and some very special fur babies.

Left to mourn her loss, but cherish every memory, are her life partner of 46 years, Michael; the joy of her life—her daughter, Montana; and her most prized possessions, her grandson Everett and granddaughter Hunter, as well as two special fur babies, Tia and Frannie. Georgina also leaves behind her amazing brother, Robert; niece, Lori; nephew, David (Lisa); great nieces, Jordan (Doug), Reagan (Andy); great nephews, Adam (Sarah), Evan, Aidan and Alex; and brother-in-law, Randy.

Georgina was a daughter, sister, partner, mother, Nani, and friend to so many and she will never be forgotten.

A special thank you to Dr. Ibrahim and the Kenora Chemo Department for their years of support and for treating Gina with such kindness, the nurses and staff of both the 3rd and 2nd floors, as well as the paramedics that Montana is lucky enough to call family, who helped get Gina to and from the hospital on a few occasions.

Montana and Mike would also like to thank all of their family members and friends for their outpouring of support throughout this process. It does not go unnoticed.

Lastly, to Siobhan and Kim, for being with Mom as she took her final breath, we are eternally grateful to you. Mom loved you both dearly.

Gina, Momma, Nani, we love you forever. We love you for always.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.