Obituary of Gail Lynn Johnston
1977-2023
Gail Lynn Johnston
Gail Lynn Johnston had a vivacious smile and memorable laugh, she would light up a room with her wit, her tenacious humor, and her corky personality. Gail had numerous nicknames but her most famous one was “Rita.” Gail earned the nickname “Rita” when she was a child living on her reserve, Mistawasis Nēhiyawak with her family. Gail had the ability to make anyone and everyone laugh, she would also join in with a crackling auntie laugh, snap her head backward, clap her hands, and point her finger saying “EEEEE,” but continue laughing. Gail was the life of the party, but she always just wanted everyone to laugh, be in a good mood, and enjoy life.
Gail grew up in Mistawasis, but she lived in many places throughout her life such as Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Surrey BC, Edmonton, and Calgary - her favorite places were the big cities. She loved to travel, and her free spirit caught another nickname of “traveling gypsy”. Gail also attended the St. Micheals Residential School in Duck Lake, where she gained many life-long friendships. She had numerous jobs throughout her life; server, advocate for homeless and recovering addicts, forest firefighter, and many others. Gail excelled at helping and advocating for others who were homeless and living a hard life with addictions because she also lived a hard life. She was always willing to help others, even if it was down to her last dollar or what she had in food or clothing, she was always caring in that way, and she expected nothing in return. Her caring nature and big heart are what we will miss most.
Besides traveling, Gail enjoyed listening to music – her favorite was the 80s, singing, and spending time with friends and her sisters, and she absolutely enjoyed doing anything with her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Gail is predeceased by her biological parents Cora Johnston and George “Bimbo” Daniels, her parents who raised her Lorna and Gordon Johnston, aunties; Pauline, Karen, Wanda, Daryl-Lea, Shirley, Myrna, Marie, and Sharon, her uncles; Owen, and Lionel. Gail leaves to mourn her children, Taylor (Brent), Taryn (Perry), Lee, and Kyler, and 8 grandchildren, her sisters Kim, Carmen, Lori, Andrea, and Carrie, and her brothers Mike and Dean, and all those who knew and loved her.
Gail passed away on December 21, 2023, in Calgary, AB. She was born May 27, 1977. Wake will started on Sunday December 31, 2023 at 1:00 PM. Funeral will be held at 1:00 PM. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Both services will be held at Chief Mistawasis First Nation School Gym, Mistawasis F.N., SK. Friends and family wishing to send messages of condolence are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com . Arrangements have been entrusted to Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lynn Anderson, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK - 306-747-2828.
