Margaret Anne (McDiarmid) JOHNSTON

“A mother is someone who can take the place of all others,
but whose place no one else can take.”

Margaret Anne Johnston passed away peacefully at the St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Monday, July 12, 2021, at the age of 82 years. Marg was born in Milden, Saskatchewan on April 14, 1939. She was the eldest daughter of Chet and Ina McDiarmid. Marg received her schooling in Milden before venturing to Saskatoon where she received her teaching certificate. Upon graduation in 1958, she moved to Riverhurst to start her teaching career.  In 1962, her aunt, Pat Head convinced her to move to Kyle where she spent many years teaching, mainly Grades 1 and 2 until her retirement, then continued subbing until the age of 79.  It was during the 27 years of subbing that Marg transitioned from Mrs. Johnston to MJ.  She always said she didn’t care what the students called her as long as they behaved and listened, and that they did. Beyond her love of teaching, she was an avid community volunteer, especially in the rink kitchen. She was the official pie and dessert maker and will be forever known for her sour cream raisin and flapper pies.

Marg had a passion for hockey.  Not only was she a fan but she spent many years as the Secretary for the Kyle Elks Hockey Club.  Known for her booming voice and her love of cheering, she single-handedly could take on any arena crowd.  All of her grandchildren’s teammates learned what a “cherrypicker” was from Marg’s cheering. Marg was a mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend to many.  Her willingness to share her joy of teaching, learning, cooking and sports with everyone will be treasured by those who knew her.  Her hardy laugh and quick humour will be missed by many.  Marg will forever be remembered for sharing her kindness in so many ways whether it was baking for the seniors home in Kyle, driving people to Swift Current for various appointments, calling bingo, preparing decorations for all of the Kyle Community Wedding Showers, or just sitting down and having a good cup of coffee and a laugh over her famous butter tarts.  Marg’s smile and laughter will be remembered fondly. Marg will forever be loved and remembered by her son, Guy (Kim) Johnston and grandchildren, Olivia and Sam;  daughter, Tara (Travis) Watts and grandchildren, Taylor (Chelsey), Shaunda (Reid Britnell), Austin and Brooke. Her memory will be cherished by her siblings, Dennis (Jeanne) Atkinson, Jean Beattie, Ralph (Cecile) Atkinson, Kay (Maurice) Hill, Larry McDiarmid, Lyle (Shirley) McDiarmid and Lynn (Jerry) Horsley as well as the 400+ other relations as Bill used to say. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Bill Johnston; parents, Ina and George Atkinson, Chet and Marion McDiarmid;  in-laws, Archie Johnston, Bessie and Wilf Osvirk; brother-in-law, Jim Beattie and sister-in-law, Adele McDiarmid.

A celebration of Marg’s life was held at Kyle Community Elks Hall in Kyle, Saskatchewan on Friday, August 13, 2021, at 2:00 p.m with Gloria Prentice officiating. Graveside Service  followed at Clearwater Cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial donations in memory of Marg may do so directly to the Kyle Community Sports Centre Kitchen Fund or to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 in Kyle, Saskatchewan.