Mary Elizabeth Johnston
April 14, 1933 - August 13, 2025
Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Liberty North (100 Caplan Ave, Unit 1, Barrie, ON).
Mary Elizabeth Johnston passed away peacefully on August 13th, 2025, in Barrie, Ontario at the age of 92. Known to many as Elizabeth, Liz, Granny, Grandma, or Beth, she lived a long and full life.
Elizabeth spent many years at her favourite place—Chandos Lake in Apsley, Ontario. A well-known member of the community, she started The Apsley Voice, a local paper created to share community news and support local businesses. She had a zest for life that was unmatched. Her love of reading, a good game of Scrabble, and diving off the dock into the lake was only made better when shared with family.
Predeceased by her husband Bill Johnston, she was a devoted mother to her beloved sons Scott Hughes, Peter Hughes (Jo-Anne), George Hughes (Cathleen), Gene Hughes (Kilauren) & stepson Gord Johnston. Grandma Liz to her grandchildren – Brent (Sara), Emily (Jerry), Kevin (Lauren), Daniel (Deanne), Kyle, Evan, Erica (Trevor), Paisley and Harlan. Granny to her great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Brynn, James, Katherine, Connor, Morrissey, Lincoln, Cillian and Chloe. She is also remembered by siblings, Sheila Collins, Sandy Brown, Nancy Brown and their respective families.
Many thanks to the staff at Roberta Place Long Term Care, for all of their care and kindness.
Memories and messages of condolence may be left below. In lieu of flowers, donations to Community Care Peterborough would be welcome. ( Donate Here )
Erica Stone
Posted on: Sunday, September 7, 2025Grandma, you were truly one of a kind. You gave us so many special memories in sharing your cottage and Chandos Lake with us. I’ll never forget your endless stories of your youth, your travels, and your adventures in life. I hope you are enjoying some Heavenly Hash ice cream and playing scrabble with Bill. Xoxo
Gene Hughes
Posted on: Saturday, September 13, 2025Dear Mom, You were such a bold, beautiful, vivacious woman. I will dearly remember you for all of our great conversations and laughter. You were an inspiration and one of my early heroes. Goodspeed and my forever Love!
Kilauren Gibb
Posted on: Wednesday, September 17, 2025LIZ, You were like a mother to me, I wish I knew you when you were younger. In your final years at Lake Chandos cottage, I called you my doll. I painted many paintings on and about your property. We swam together in the lake and enjoyed the garden together and had many great meals. I know how much you loved the willow tree by the frog swamp surrounded by orange lillies. Some of your ashes are there now as you requested. I took a photo of your tree to make into a painting for you.
You will be missed by many.
God speed♡ Kilauren