VICTORIA (VICKY) JOHNSTON

It is with sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Victoria Johnston (née Stechkewich), on May 23, 2026 at the age of 91.

She was predeceased by her sister and partner in crime, Nadia Hanuschak (March 28, 2026), her sisters Olga Nahirniak (2019) and Lily Presser (2011), and her beloved husband, Paul (2005).

The youngest of four girls, Vicky spent her early years in Elphinstone, Manitoba. While her father often travelled for work, as many immigrants did after the war, she, her mother, and her sisters kept their modest farm running, at times relying on the charity of others. Despite the daily struggles, Vicky had many fond memories of her youth, surrounded by a loving family.

Vicky began her career as a dedicated nurse before Jeff’s arrival to the world in 1968. At that time, she and Paul were living in Lafayette, Louisiana, where Paul worked for Chevron. Vicky became the consummate homemaker, a role she perfected as a devoted partner and mother.

Their home in Calgary, where they lived for over 40 years, was always open to family and friends. Each year, especially after the snow melted, it became a gathering place filled with out of town visitors, reflecting Vicky and Paul’s love of hosting. Their full life was enjoyed against the backdrop of the Rockies (visible from the kitchen window) through hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and gardening. When they couldn’t be outside, they spent their time learning languages, line dancing and attending performances with the Calgary Philharmonic and Alberta Theatre Projects. They travelled extensively throughout Canada and abroad, enjoying Europe and Australia.

Following health challenges in 2014, Vicky made the decision to return to the Prairies to be closer to her sisters and their families. In Winnipeg, she built a warm community in her condo and with nursing friends, enjoyed frequent visits from Jeff and his family, ladies lunches and road trips with Nadia, and family dinners at her niece, Nadine’s. A lifelong swimmer, she found joy and connection at the pool each season, often alongside her sister Nadia. Weekly visits to The Wellness at Seven Oaks with Nadia and Nadine were a cherished routine, continuing until Nadia’s stroke earlier this year.

One of the greatest joys of her life was the birth of her granddaughter, Sia Grace Brennan Johnston, in 2011. Vicky’s love and devotion were evident in the many trips she made to Toronto for holidays, birthdays, recitals, and graduations. In 2013, she exuberantly agreed to care for Sia in Toronto while Denise and Jeff travelled to France – their first trip away from their daughter. Over the years, they shared many adventures, with Vicky keeping pace thanks to her lifelong yoga practice as she followed Sia through Bloor West’s parks, streets, and rinks.

Vicky is lovingly remembered by her son Jeff, daughter-in-law Denise, and granddaughter Sia, as well as her niece Nadine and family. Nadine was both a devoted caregiver and dear friend to Vicky, who, in turn, was like a second mother to her. She remained connected to many on Paul’s side of the family, through visits, phone calls and texts, keeping track of birthdays and important dates with her exceptional memory – no small feat given the size of the Johnston clan. Paul’s nephew and his partner travelled all the way from Terrace in September 2025 to celebrate her 90th, and she’d exchanged messages with her great niece who resides in the UK just one day before her death. She also remained in touch with many dear friends in Calgary in the weeks before her passing.

We are comforted by the fact that, despite wanting to live longer, Vicky did not suffer nor was she forced to relocate, an idea that she would not entertain. We are grateful the family was able to be together in Winnipeg on May 9th and 10th to celebrate Mother’s Day, and the life of Nadia, Vicky’s cherished sister and companion. Vicky spent both her first and last Mother’s Day as a grandmother, with her beloved granddaughter, Sia – yet another blessing. 

“Our arms are around you,

Maga”

If desired, donations in Vicky’s name can be made to The Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Celebrations in Winnipeg and Calgary will be held in the summer.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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