Obituary of Lee-Anne Johnstone
It with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of (Sharon) Lee-Anne Johnstone (nee Smith) on November 28th, 2023, aged just fifty-three.
Lee-Anne was born January 5, 1970 in Calgary, Alberta. She spent her formative years in Moose Factory, Ontario. Anyone who knew Lee-Anne knew of her deep love and respect for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Lee-Anne was the eldest of four siblings - early life for Lee-Anne was a boisterous affair but was made infinitely better by many caring neighbours in Moose Factory and then later in the Craigen Road area, near Napanee. The Smith family may have lived far from biological family, but their community became another family, especially for Lee-Anne.
Lee-Anne wore many hats. She trained and worked as a hairdresser for many years, but she left that career to spend more time with her girls when they were younger. She had always loved cooking, and especially cooking for an army of people, so it should be no surprise that she had most recently been working in the kitchen at a restaurant. She was loving the job and had recently been promoted. Lee-Anne loved singing and music, dancing, crafting, and had recently discovered both a love of and a talent for painting. She left many memories with her family, both in songs she sang and things she created with love for them.
Most importantly, Lee-Anne was a carer. She had the kindest heart and lit up every room she entered. She was known for being an ally to all and made friends everywhere she went. While living in Montreal in her younger years, Lee-Anne formed a lasting connection to the Grants, a family that took her in and consider her a daughter and sister.
Lee-Anne found her love in Kevin Johnstone. Kevin and Lee-Anne were friends in high school, but they did not meet up again until they were older. Upon reacquaintance, they quickly realized they were meant to be (Kevin would add here that he always knew!) and married in 2007. They happily raised their family in a Century home in Mallorytown. As happened everywhere she went, Lee-Anne made a family there, too. The family has been supported and loved by their community in Mallorytown during this time.
Lee-Anne leaves behind her heartbroken family: husband Kevin Johnstone of Mallorytown, and daughters Samantha Benjamin of Bancroft, Christian Amos of Brisbane Australia, and Shelley Johnstone and Maria Johnstone, both of Mallorytown. Lee-Anne was also an enormously proud Grannie Annie of Julian, her first grandchild (Samantha). She is further mourned by father Lauder Smith (Patricia Nobbs); siblings Stewart (Sara), Lauder, and Merideth; in-laws John and Sharon Johnstone; siblings-in-law John (Beverley), Tracy, and Chris; too many cousins to list, and her many friends. Lee-Anne is pre-deceased by her beloved mother Shelley.
A service will take place for Lee-Anne in Mallorytown in the New Year. Please do something kind for someone today in Lee-Anne’s honour. Donations can be made in her name to the Orange Shirt Society or an Indigenous charity of your choice.
“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always
As long as I’m living, my mommy you’ll be.”
