Moira Jean “Mo” Johnston
1955 - 2025
Moira Jean “Mo” Johnston, passed peacefully on April 14, 2025, in Kitchener, Ontario, surrounded by family and many dear friends.
Born on December 2, 1955, in Goderich, Ontario, Moira spent her early years on the family farm in Lucknow, Ashfield Township. At the age of seven, her family relocated to Kitchener, where she would go on to build a life rooted in community, and deep personal connections.
Moira is survived by her beloved spouse of 30 years, Barbara Jones; sons Christopher (Meredith) Wilson, David Wilson, and John (Elly) Wilson; granddaughters Abigail and Frankie; brother Brian Johnston, mother-in-law Hilda Jones; and sister-ins law Debbie Wishart (Ruth Johnston, deceased), Christine Mackey (Patrick); Carolyn Douglas (Alan); Maureen Milne (Trent) and many nieces, nephews and grand- nieces and nephews. Mo is remembered by lifelong friends Lynn and Lyne; and far too many others to list. Moira is predeceased by her parents Keith and Jean Johnston; siblings Murray Johnston and Ruth Johnston; her father-in-law John Jones and nephew Patrick Mackey
Mo is remembered as an exceptional parent and mentor—a steady presence in the lives of her sons—and found great joy in spending time with her granddaughters, who know her as Grandmo. She deeply valued time shared with her in-laws, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews.
Mo played fastball for more than 40 years. While she loved the game itself, it was the enduring friendships formed through the game that meant the most to her. Inspired by her father’s love of sports, Mo became an avid baseball and hockey fan. Remarkably, at age 47, despite being an almost non-skater, she took up hockey and continued playing well into her fifties.
Friendship was central to Mo’s world. She cherished the many visits and phone calls with friends near and far—throughout her life and after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Mo was surrounded by family and dear friends who shared friendship, kindness, caring and love throughout her life and in her last few months.
Moira’s delight for life extended beyond sports. She loved time spent with family and friends. She found joy in walking (meandering), camping, swimming, annual visits to Manitoulin Island — and immersing herself in the natural world. In her sixties, she returned to climbing trees. Seeing her perched among the branches brought delight not only to herself but also to those lucky enough to witness it.
Mo dedicated over three decades of her professional life to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the Violence Against Women sector. Her career culminated with a volunteer role at the Literacy Group — a position she thoroughly enjoyed and one that reflected her lifelong commitment to equity and education.
Mo’s enduring smile, delightful giggle, warm laugh, and wonderful sense of humour will be remembered with great fondness by all who knew her.
Mo is well known for her unwavering kindness, respect for others, honesty, humility, integrity—and above all—a deep acceptance of people from all walks of life. Mo was aware of the privileges in her life and carried that awareness with deep responsibility and gratitude.
A sincere thank you to the amazing people Moira encountered following her diagnosis.
The care offered through St. Mary’s, WRHN Midtown Hospital (Grand River), WRHN Chicopee (Freeport), Care Partners, HCCSC, Spiritual Care, Dr Christopher Johansen was exceptional and deeply appreciated.
A Celebration of Life for Moira will be held on May 18th, 2025 at Valens Lake Conservation Area at 1pm. (1691 Regional Road 97, Hamilton ON N1R 5S7). It will be in the pavilion above the beach. There is a fee to enter the park. You are welcome to come a bit early and/or stay after the Celebration of life to enjoy this very special place of Moira’s.
In honour of Moira’s memory and values, donations may be made to the Literacy Group, an organization close to Mo's heart.
Moira held a vision for a kinder, more compassionate world. In her memory, she would be delighted if we each take up that vision—to join together in moving forward a kindness revolution.
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237.