Isobel Jean JOHNSTON (Belle), nee McLaren, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Amica Lions Gate, West Vancouver, on March 27th, 2024. Predeceased in 2017 by her beloved husband, David, she will be dearly missed by her children, Anne (Barry), Rosemary (Mike) and Ian (Heather) and her grandchildren, Dylan, Chantal and Erin. Belle is also survived by her sister Maureen Carson and brothers Oliver and Ian McLaren.
Born in 1933 in Augher, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, she trained as a radiographer and met David in Banbridge Hospital. Married in 1957, they spent ten years in Bath, UK, and then emigrated to Canada with their young family, settling in the Vancouver area. They found a strong Irish community to welcome them and formed friendships that lasted more than 50 years.
Belle was kind, gentle and soft-spoken. She was also a tireless volunteer throughout her life. She delivered for Meals on Wheels in New Westminster for many years.
Belle was an active member of the St. Stephen the Martyr church community in Burnaby for over forty years. She helped run the church thrift shop and sang alto in the choir. Belle loved all music. For many Christmases she sang The Messiah with the Handel Society. She also loved to sing along to musicals - “Somewhere” from West Side Story had particular meaning for her.
Belle and David had a passion for travel. They visited all continents except Antarctica, and became hippies late in life, traveling around Europe in a Volkswagen van. Their travels took them from Chile to South Africa to Australia and to Thailand …, but Northern Ireland always had a special place in their hearts.
Belle loved to read and spend time in her garden. The patio of every home she lived in was covered in bright flowers - usually in pinks and purples. Saturday morning was baking day: wheaten bread, scones, shortbread. Belle excelled at all the traditional Irish recipes.
Belle was a calm and consistent presence for her family; always positive and supportive. She will be greatly missed.
A service will be held for Belle at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at St. Stephen the Martyr Anglican Church, 9887 Cameron Street, Burnaby, BC. V3J 1M3. All are welcome to attend.
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