Obituary of Joan Marie (Darrah) Johnston

It is with broken hearts that the family of Joan Marie (Darrah) Johnston announces her passing at the age of 92 from Tucker Hall, Shannex Parkland on January 22^nd, 2023 with her loving daughter Colleen at her side.  Born on December 30^th, 1930 in Saint John, she was the daughter of the late John and Florence (Stevens) Darrah.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, CPR Constable Berton F. Johnston (d. January 23^rd, 1967); sons, Ray and Fred; daughter, Joanne (Owens); son-in-law, Peter Arseneau; grandsons, Cody and Brett Johnston and granddaughter, Jessica Marie Johnston. As well, brothers, John, Gerald and Jim and sisters, Patricia, Eileen, Carney and Helen Marie, along with many great friends.

Joan was a graduate of St. Vincent’s High School class of 1947.  After the death of her husband she started her working career to finish raising her children at B&L Theatres and after 19 years with Maritime Beverages Co. Ltd Joan retired from the accounting department in 1990.  In her retirement her interests were the theatre, old movies, opera, reading and swimming.  She especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren being their biggest cheerleader in many sports.  Joan was a lifetime and very devoted Toronto Maple Leaf fan!  She had a bit of a sweet tooth a few of her favorite things being fudge, Quality Street chocolates, root beer floats and any desserts!

Joan was a devoted Catholic and 65-year member of CWL of the Cathedral Parish. Member of SJRHS Auxiliary, St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary and Rocmaura Auxiliary.  Proud to have been a Volunteer for 1985 Canada Summer Games at the Athletes Village.

Joan was a strong and giving person and will be dearly missed by her daughter, Colleen Arseneau; grandchildren, Rose-Anne (Sylvan), Michael F. (Christina), Jed (Ruby), Heather (Dave), Kathleen, Sarah (Brandon) and 16 great-grandchildren and her sister, Mary Morris.  Also survived by her son-in-law, J. Michael Owens (Marilee); daughters-in-law, Johanna Nadeau, Sandy Crawford (Scott) and Sheri Ingersoll; sisters-in-law, Carol Darrah, Betty Johnston, Shirley McNeill and Donna Daggett.  She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and many others who knew her fondly as Aunt Joan.

The family wishes to thank the exceptional care shown to Nana from all the staff at Tucker Hall.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting being held on Sunday, January 29^th, 2023 from 2:00 - 8:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Holy Redeemer Parish (St. Pius X), 316 Somerset Street on Monday, January 30^th, 2023 at 11:00 AM.  Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Should friends desire, remembrances may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.