It is with heavy hearts the Johnston family has lost their beautiful mother/grandmother Vreta on March 13, 2024 with her daughter Shawn by her side. Vreta passed away peacefully at her residence Hogarth Riverview Manor.
Brought into this world on July 2, 1934 to parents Vreta and Fredrick Ireland in Rorkton, Manitoba. Vreta made her way to the Lakehead in her early twenties and fell in love with Lake Superior and decided this would be her home. Shortly after that she met her future husband Glen Johnston and raised her children here in Port Arthur/Thunder Bay. Vreta was ecstatic when her eldest Daughter Frances decided to come and make the Lakehead her home as well in the 1970’s.
Vreta loved the outdoors, being on the lake, camping with family and friends. Vreta’s children fondly remember the substantial amount of time spent camping during summer break; which always included her best friend Elsie and daughter Judy. The family camp located at Green Point, brought great memories and laughs remembered by all the extended family members.
Survived by her 3 children: Alan(Donna), Ross and Shawn(Chris); as well as her grandchildren Mark, Marc (Chris), Amanda, Matthew, Myralee, Seija (Jermey) and Kerri. In addition to her 4 great grand children. Vreta is predeceased by her husband Glen Johnston, her daughter Frances Montaque, her parents Fredrick and Vreta Ireland and her siblings.
Vreta was a strong, stubborn, confident women. Describe by some as an “old outlaw” with her rebellious ways which she carried with her right to the end. Vreta was a kind caring mother and always had her children’s back no matter how much “trouble” they got themselves in. She taught her kids how to be strong, independent, and fight for what was right at a very early age. Vreta would love to read, she could be found sitting in her rocking chair or at the kitchen table reading a book. As a grandmother, she would instill her vast knowledge to her grandchildren and share stories at dinners, around the fire or when the grandchildren had sleep overs.
The family would like to thank a few key staff members at Hogarth Riverview Manor, you know who you are and we thank you for the care and compassion you have provided over the years to our mother.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no service, as per Vreta’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, or if you would like to make a donation, please donate to Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority.
Vreta - Forever in our hearts
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
