Obituary of Jennifer Lee Chandler Johnston

Jennifer Lee Chandler Johnston, beloved daughter of Judy and Gerry Johnston, died peacefully at her parents’ home in Centre Rawdon, just one month before her 43rd birthday. For the past three years, Jen had been dealing with advanced breast cancer, and had done so with courage, grace, good humour and incredible optimism. Jen doggedly refused to be defined by her disease and in so doing inspired friends, family and professional health-care providers by her resilience and her concern for others. Throughout her life, Jen loved riding horses, playing piano, creative writing, movies and engaging in theatrical pursuits. As a professional cosmetologist, she used her skills to help her clients look their best but was also in demand for her special effects make-up (Jen was affectionately termed the ‘Queen of Gore’). Jen was in demand for science fiction conventions and even helped out with medical training dealing with trauma victims, complete with realistic knife and gunshot wounds, and various bruising and flesh wounds. Jen was always open about her cancer experience and did all in her power to help others undergoing treatment while stressing the need for a positive attitude. Jen lived life to the full. Only a couple of months before her death, Jen discovered kayaking, and also continued to hike the trails of Nova Scotia with her best friend and companion, Sherone Black. Throughout Jen’s cancer treatments, from chemotherapy and surgery to radiation and palliative care, Jen was blessed with skilled, compassionate and dedicated physicians, nurses and VON staff. Jen and her parents cannot express the gratitude and admiration for these remarkable individuals. Jen made an impact on everyone who knew her, and her infectious laugh and ‘just do it’ attitude will be missed by all those who loved her so dearly, but Jen’s remarkable spirit will also continue to remind us of how precious are life, family and friends to us all. Jen trusted, and was actively committed to advancing cancer research and she took every advantage to raise awareness and engage in raising funds for this cause. The best way to honour and celebrate her life is to donate in her name to the two organizations that she admired, Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (https://bhcri.ca/) and QEII Foundation (https://my.qe2foundation.ca/donations). Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca