Obituary of Shirley Joan Johnston

On Friday, July 31st, 2020, Shirley Johnston passed away peacefully at the Charlotte County Hospital with her family by her side. Shirley was born on August 28, 1940 in St. Stephen to the late Harold and Hilda (Hastey) Caldwell, and on September 28, 1958 married the late Allison Johnston.

Shirley was a hairdresser by profession and, for many years, owned and operated her own business, “Shirleys Shoppe”, her clients became friends and her shop was a place of community. As an active and life-long member of the United Church of Canada, Shirley served her church community and on many committees, and boards and was an active member of the Phyllis Guard Unit during her years at Milltown United Church. Community outreach was important to her, she was a founding and dedicated member of the local Relay for Life in St Stephen, for 15 years serving as the Survivors’ coordinator, as an active fundraiser for the Terry Fox Run, and as an advocate for over 20 years for cancer patients and survivors, alike, with her involvement in cancer support programs. More recently, she became a founding member of the Seniors Wellness Program -- Wellin’US 50 Plus, at the Garcelon Civic Center. After she semi-retired, she found a great love of all things curling. Above all, Shirley was dedicated to her family, especially looking forward to spending time each summer with her sisters, brother and their large extended family as well as her favourite, Boxing Day get-together each Christmas “out home”. She drew joy from her granddaughters and great granddaughters and will lovingly be remembered by Crystal, Al and the girls.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Crystal MacEachern (Allan); grandchildren Rachael and Emily MacEachern, as well as her great granddaughters, Alison and Olivia. Sisters, Gail Kelly (Ken), Barbara Caldwell, Donna Cleghorn, Myrna Caldwell, and Janet Anderson (Craig), and brother, Blair Caldwell (Lynn Fowler). Sisters-in-law, Helena Tibbs (Lee), Jackie Daly (Michael) and Glenna Johnston; Brother-in-law, Richard MacFarland. Nieces and nephews, Jonathan MacFarland (Meg), Matt Caldwell (Candace), Joe Cleghorn, Corey Cleghorn (Wanda), Jaime Veer (Eelco), Kyle Caldwell (Megan), Zoe Anderson (Wes), Adam Anderson (Rebecca), Kelly Anderson (Mallory), Logan Anderson (Sydney) and special aunts Marjorie Caldwell and Lela Hastey, and by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was predeceased by her father and mother-in law Melvin and Rose (Lord) Johnston; sister, Elaine MacFarland; brothers-in-law, Neil MacPhail and Joe Cleghorn; Sisters-in-law and their husbands, Helen and Earl Forsythe and Lorenne and Jim Gowan as well as her Brother-in-law Austin Johnston.

Family will receive visitors on Thursday, August 13th from 6-8 pm at Humphreys Funeral Home with a graveside service in celebration of Shirley’s life on Friday, August 14th at 11 am at the Pomeroy Ridge Cemetery.

Due to the current situation from the pandemic, all those in attendance will be asked to be mindful and respectful to others with physical distancing. To those who may feel vulnerable, are feeling unwell or are showing symptoms of COVID should not attend.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Charlotte County Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences to the family or donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks St., St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506-466-3110).