It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and great-grandmother Gladys 'Gusty' Marie Johnson on Sunday, September 3rd in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by the love and presence of her family.
Gusty was born in Barra Head on August 8, 1937, to the late Thomas Johnson and Elizabeth Battiste.
Gusty was a courageous and independent person, A residential school survivor, and a strong person of faith. In her teen years, she excelled at Women's Softball. She was an active member of the Holy Family Parish and worked as a home care assistant for many years for the Eskasoni Health Center. Gusty was in a Country Band (it was said she could make grown men cry when she sang) in Boston in the early 60s. Gusty loved gardening but her favorite pastime was Bingo. She loved watching TV, and her favorite shows were Antiques Road Show and Ink Master. Her passion was bird-watching and our part of the woods is full of bird families due to her bird feeding over the decades.
Gusty is survived and will be missed by her children Samuel and Lisa; grandchildren Danny Thomas (Tysha), Sai Alexander (Elizabeth) and Patrick Cruze . Her great-grandchildren are Harper Alexander and Arabella Shelagh Gusty. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Bernard; sisters-in-law Ethel Johnson, Eunice Gould, Marjorie Johnson, Irene Charest and Doris Barry. She was well-loved by her numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. Gusty leaves behind her bestie Katalin Sorbey and will join her other bestie, the late Lillian B. Marshall; in Heaven.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers Stanley J., John T., Lo'li, Leo, Howard and Matthew 'Matti'j' Johnson, as well her sisters Theresa Sylliboy, Flora Denny, Anna Jean Doucette, Sarah Sark and Georgina Julian
Family and friends can gather from 9 am until 10 am on Saturday, Sep. 16 at Holy Family Church in Eskasoni for viewing before her Funeral Mass; which will take place at 10 am on Saturday, September 16 at Holy Family Church, Eskasoni with Fr. Antolin Asor and Deacon Tom Sylliboy officiating. Inurnment and Salite to follow immediately after the mass. Gusty will be cremated and there is to be no wake per her final instructions. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
