Colleen Susan Johnston

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Colleen Johnston passed away in Calgary, AB on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the age of 67 years, after a short battle with cancer.

Colleen was the heart of our family. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Tamara Annau (Ryan) Wade Emsley, Scott Emsley and Katherine Friday; grandchildren that she was so proud of, Riston and Maddison Annau, Maraya and Paris Emsley, Charlie and Drew Friday; sisters, Janice Williams (Gord), Darlene Johnston, and Brenda Johnston (Tyler);and brother in-law Claude Pelletier; 12 nieces and nephews that she openly took some under her wing and treated them as her own children!; 17 great nieces and nephews; and eleven great, great nieces and nephews. Family was the most important thing to Colleen, and she spent as much time with them as she could. Colleen had numerous friends, some since childhood, and others she met during her work travels!

Colleen was predeceased by her mother and father, Gert and Neil (Red) Johnston; her two older sisters, Judy Craig, Bernice Pelletier and nephew Marty Pelletier.

Colleen was born and raised in Whitehorse, YT. She was a mother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She raised her three children with pride and her family meant the world to her. She was momma to many. She had several “kids” that often referred to her as Mom or Momma and she would embrace them with her wisdom, patience, and humor.

She coached baseball, played baseball, played on a bowling team, took part in Rendezvous Corporate events, as well as played the fun role of Keystone Cop.

Colleen worked for Yukon Government, Yukon Energy, and däna Näye Ventures while living in Whitehorse, Yukon. She moved to Calgary Alberta after living in Whitehorse for almost 50 years. She also ventured out to Sussex, New Brunswick for work. She made friends wherever she went, and she left such a positive mark on every person she crossed paths with. Most will remember Colleen for her witty, sarcastic sense of humor.

Colleen moved to Eaglesham, AB after winning a short battle with Breast Cancer and worked as an Educational Assistant in their local school. Colleen then moved to Falher, Alberta where she worked as a support worker for disabled adults. We believe this was Colleen’s career calling. She enjoyed the positive effects she had on her clients, and just truly enjoyed her job. It was so natural for her to work with each client.

Colleen’s biggest pride and joy were her Grandkids. She had special trips with them, spent any free time she had playing, gardening, going on adventure walks, muddle jumping, camping and just being with them.

A Celebration of Colleen’s Life will be held in Whitehorse Yukon. Dates to be confirmed.

Colleen will be deeply missed and always remembered!

To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Colleen with the family, please visit www.choicememorial.com.