Pat Johnston

To Pat Johnston, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, she was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Pat, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Pat really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

      Pat was born on December 23, 1932 at Plummer Hospital. In Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Her parents were Fred and Winnifred Stafford. Pat was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Even as a child, Pat had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family.

      Always a good playmate, Pat was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even during family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Pat managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Pat was raised with three siblings, Nancy, Jimmy and Jill. At an early age Pat's mother passed away and she took on the responsibility of being a mother to her youngest sibling Jill.

      Ask anyone who knew her from school and they would tell you that Pat was a class “cut-up.” She didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Pat simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of her friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Pat, grades may not have been the most important thing to her, but she really did enjoy her school experience. She enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Pat never actually encountered a stranger in her dealings with people. She was drawn to individuals and crowds, using her gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate her audience. This quality allowed Pat to continually develop new relationships, ever widening her circle of friends. Pat delighted in her role among all her acquaintances. Pat utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, her best friend was Claire Summerhayes. Later in life, she became friends with Lillian Evans, Jenny Delvecchio, Lois Moore and many others. Pat loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.

      The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Pat very easy to approach. She tried hard not to impose on her spouse. She was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

      Perhaps the reason Pat related so well to children was the fact that she never really completely grew up herself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped her in raising her own children. Pat was blessed with two children, Jody and Leslie. Pat had no grandchildren but was grandma to many many children she babysat. Pat had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of her attention was directed. Pat's compassionate side prevented her from being a strict disciplinarian, and she could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. She could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Pat had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

Pat worked in the Chrome Plant. After Pat married and had her first child she decided to stay home and be a full time mother.

       Pat's favorite pursuits were bowling, playing cards, walking and swimming. Pat was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Pat had an endless appetite for new and different activities. She was always ready to join in the fun and add her flair and energy to an organization. Because of her personality, her humor, and her ability to get along with everyone, Pat's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which she belonged. Throughout her later years, Pat was an active member of the Red Hats, Sunshine Club and St. John's the Evangelist Church.

      Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Pat recognized that her faith was important to her throughout her life. She was a member of St. John The Evangelist Anglican Church for over 70 years. During that time, she served actively on the Alter Guild.

      Living life in the fast lane suited Pat just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. She was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included New York, Oregon, Dollywood, Chicago and small weekend trips to the states.

      Pat passed away on September 25, 2013 at Sault Area Hospital. She is survived by her children, Jody and Leslie (Lesley), her siblings Nancy (Ken), Jimmy (Betty), Jill (Bob), brother in law Boyd and sister in law Mary and Alice and many nieces and nephews. Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Monday, September 30, 2013 at 3 pm. Pat was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery with her late husband Warren Johnston (2006).

      Pat brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Pat Johnston lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.

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JOHNSTON, Patricia “Pat” (nee Stafford) – Peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital with family at her side on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at the age of 80 years.

Beloved wife of the late Warren. Loving mother of Jody Willet and Leslie (Lesley Robb). Dear sister and best friend of Nancy McColl (Ken), Jimmy Stafford (Betty) and Jill Nicolson (Bob). Dear sister-in-law of Mary Emery, Boyd Johnston and the late Ellen Johnson (late Doug), late Madeline Allen (late Don) and the late Bill Johnston (Alice). Fondly remembered by Neil Turner. Favourite aunt of many nieces and nephews. Pat was very involved with many activities and her kind heart has touched the hearts of many good friends and children along the way.

Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Sunday, September 29, 2013 from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 9 pm. Funeral service will be celebrated in the chapel on Monday, September 30, 2013 at 3 pm. Rev. Rosalie Goos officiating. Memorial contributions to the St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church would be appreciated by the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.