Obituary of Cecilia Faith Johnston

Cecilia Faith (O’Connell) Johnston

Cecilia Faith Johnston passed away peacefully at the age of 90years old on November 3, 2024. Cecile was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to John O’Connell and Aileen O’Connell (Zeller) in 1934. She was their only child.  Her Daddy, John, was a rancher NW of Swift Current in the Hazlett area.  Cecile grew up spending time on the ranch whenever she could and loved riding her horse Fleet to the country school.  Cecile and her mom moved to Gull Lake, where her Grandparents, Rob and Helen Zeller, lived, to attend High School.  Cecile was an accomplished pianist and, after high school, spent a couple years in Saskatoon to do further advanced musical training.  She also went on to complete her Teaching Certificate at Teachers College in Regina. She taught in small town schools for a few years, before devoting herself to raising her family. She enjoyed going back to teaching in Bruno, Saskatchewan, in the early 70’s. She also shared her love of reading by working to establish a public library in Bruno.  After moving to Stettler, Cecile became well-known in the community for her involvement in organizing and volunteering at music festivals.

Cecile met her best friend and love of her life, Russell James Johnston, at Gull Lake High School. They were married July 9, 1956, and created what they considered their greatest legacy – their family of six. They moved around Saskatchewan many times in the early years, as Russ progressed in his career with the Royal Bank.  In 1976, they made Stettler their home.  Cecile and Russ chose to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and it became central to the family and social life. They enjoyed regular family camping trips and shared holidays with their extended family. After raising their 6 children, Russ and Cecile enjoyed traveling, but were especially fond of spending winters in Hawaii. 

Cecile lost her husband, Russ, in 2022.  She is survived by her six children: Lauren (Ray) Troppmann, Kathy (Jean René) Bérubé and their four children and two grandchildren, Robert (Dawna) Johnston and their four children and nine grandchildren, Janet Warner (Darcy) and her eight children and four grandchildren, Lisa Muhlbach (Paul) and her four children, Kristin Snelgrove (Ashley) and their three children. 

(That’s 23 grandchildren, and – so far – 15 great-grandchildren, with more to come)

A private family service will be held.

Memorial donations in Cecilia’s name are gratefully accepted to Stettler Music Festival, Box 2031, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0.