Obituary of Veronica Merilda Johnston

Veronica (Merilda) Johnston
July 3, 1954 - April 30, 2025

Veronica (Merilda) Johnston, born on July 3, 1954, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones after a brief but courageous battle with cancer at the Guysborough Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the age of 70. Merilda was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Merilda is survived by her devoted husband, Edward (Kenny) Johnston, and her cherished children: Stephanie Vien (Marc) of Timmins; Karen Johnston-Stewart of Timmins; Kimberley MacChesney (James) of Boylston; Kendra Johnston (Zach Lacroix) of Timmins; and Edward “Eddy” Kenneth Johnston of St. Francis Harbour. She was a loving Nannie to Joshua, Remi, Julie, Jennifer, Kenny, Deanne, Kerri, Christopher, Ethan, and Chloe, and a proud great-grandmother to Jonah, Robert, Chantal, Ashton, Courtney, Katie, Ariel, Bella, Aria, and Cole.

Merilda is also survived by her siblings: Cavell Boutilier; Cecilia LeBlanc (Gerald); Tommy LeBlanc; Dougie LeBlanc; Ralph LeBlanc (Georgia); Sandy LeBlanc (Joanna); and Tracy King. She held a special place in her heart for her beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Stephen Edward “Eddy” LeBlanc and Veronica LeBlanc; brothers Donald LeBlanc (survived by wife Sherry) and Kenny LeBlanc; sister Carol LeBlanc (Donnie Rogers); and brother-in-law Coey Boutilier.

Born and raised in Alder Point, Cape Breton, Merilda became the family matriarch after her parents' passing. She was always available with sage advice, a comforting hug, and a hot cup of tea. There was no safer place than being embraced in her arms, with her warm smile and kind brown eyes looking at you. She loved hosting and attending family gatherings, where there was no shortage of food, music, and conversation. Her famous spaghetti and meatballs were a family favorite and always requested whenever company was coming.

Merilda lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her loved ones and her beloved pets, Missy and Fluffy. Her door was always open to those who needed a place to call home, and she was never more than a phone call away. No matter the day, when asked, “How are you doing?” Merilda always responded, “I’m hurting but good!” She valued family and loved spending time with them, whether it was on Cape Breton Island or traveling to Alberta or Ontario. Wherever she landed, time always went by far too quickly, and before long, she was off again. Merilda enjoyed going to bingo on Thursday evenings, taking trips to town to browse the stores, and had a love for late-night reading novels at the kitchen table.

Merilda’s absence will be profoundly felt by all.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the palliative care team, including doctors, nurses, CCAs, and staff at Guysborough Memorial Hospital, the continuing care nursing team from Guysborough, the thoracic team at the QEII in Halifax, the palliative team at Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish, and the Cape Breton Cancer Center team in Sydney.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Guysborough. As per Merilda’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, she wanted a celebration of life, where those who knew and loved her could come together to share memories, food, laughter, tears, and love. The celebration of life will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4-7 pm at the Boylston Community Hall, located at 11728 Highway 16, Boylston, NS B0H 1G0.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com