With the death of my Aunt Marilyn a few days ago, the three Johnston girls have now all passed. Marilyn joins my mom and aunt Shirley (she is the little girl in this photo. Mom is on the left and Shirley in the center) . Auntie passed at age 85 from Lewy Body Disease. Marilyn had a beautiful life, successfully mixing career and family. She was an outstanding teacher. Spending her entire career in the Joggins, River Hebert and Amherst area of Nova Scotia ensured she was beloved by her many students over the years. It seemed to me that she had touched everyone in Amherst. "Oh, I know Mrs. Kohout! She taught me in grade 2 (or fill in any school grade number) " Marilyn and Bill raised three beautiful boys: Kirby, Steven and Peter who were the light of her life. They pretty much raised one of their grandsons too. She had a love of literature, especially Nova Scotia's many brilliant authors. Will R. Bird was a favourite. Because of Auntie, I read and enjoyed all of his books. She was a role model who influenced and grounded me all my life. Often, when I visited, we'd go out to used book storers to have a coffee and browse for treasures. Like most Maritime women Auntie could cook. Her blueberry muffins featuring berries from the back yard, were the stuff of legends. She blessed us with her wonderful sense of humour but would often tear up when talking about matters of the heart. A heart worn on her sleeve, as they say. Marilyn was only 10 years older than me and she'd often describe Mike and I as the closest thing she had to a brother. That was my lead when Uncle Bill handed the phone to her. "Hey Auntie, it's me, the closest thing you have to a brother!" Because of our similar ages, she was more like a big sister I suppose. We were tight. I loved her to the moon and back. I will carry her in my heart the rest of my days along with Nana, Grandpa, Mom and Aunt Shirley, the family, all of whom, I loved so dearly.

I send you my condolences.

Bill so sorry to hear of the passing off your wife Marilyn. I send you my Condolences.