Obituary of Tricia Johnston

With sorrow, the family of Patricia Ann Johnston (née Steele), announces her passing at home on January 12, 2026.  Proud daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, Tricia has left behind many beloved friends and family members who were so very dear to her. 

She will be remembered and missed by her husband of 55 years, Barry, her daughter Michelle Lazaratos (Daniel) and the grand-children who were her greatest pride and joy, Alex and Emma.  They will not be alone – Tricia had a special way of connecting with whomever she met and was privileged to have a wonderful circle, both near and far, of dear friends, former students, and colleagues who were her ‘chosen’ family.  She never hesitated, and took great joy, to open both her heart and her home to those who became part of her world.  She loved nothing more than sharing a wonderful meal, better music and hours of laughter and conversation – if dancing was included, all the better.

Tricia was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Dinah (Bagnell) Steele, sister Ethel and brother-in-law Ronald MacDougall, nephew Christopher Kuzmicz, father-in-law Elmer Johnston, and many aunts and uncles.  She is survived by her sisters Geraldine (Benjamin) Kuzmicz, Jeanne Henschel, and Lorna Steele; special cousins Isobel MacLennan, Catherine Bagnell-Styles, and Fultz MacKenzie; brother-in-law Gordon (Carol) Johnston, mother-in-law Louise Johnston; and her many nieces and nephews who she adored.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (St. Francis Xavier) and Bachelor of Education (Dalhousie), she had the privilege of spending many years as a teacher, first in Nova Scotia, and then in PEI.  Tricia was a born educator, and was a role model and confidante for so many over the years.  Her family often had the privilege of meeting past and present students who almost without fail shared a funny anecdote, fond memory, and very often a story of profound connection that she had shared with them (or lessons learned from her famous 5-point quizzes).  A favorite accomplishment was creating the opportunity for a number of students to travel to Europe early in her career – she believed strongly in the benefit of new experiences and learning about other cultures.  She passed the love of travel, discovery and adventure to many of her students, as well as to her daughter and grandchildren.

Tricia had the misfortune of having to end her teaching career early, due to health challenges following a serious automobile accident in 1988.  In the years that followed, and unfortunately up to her death, she valiantly and bravely fought to overcome the many health challenges that came her way as a result of the accident – always with her husband and best friend Barry at her side.  Tricia was overjoyed to be able to meet and help young people when her health allowed – her ‘chosen’ family extending even further to include so many wonderful young people and their families who were newcomers to the Island.

Tricia lived life with passion, compassion, curiosity, and definitely with style.  She was greatly loved, and will be deeply missed.

At her request, there will be no visitation or funeral service.  Her family will hold a celebration of her life this summer with those who would like to come together to remember her with all the things she loved – love and laughter, great memories, good food, music, and family.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the charity of your choice.