After a life well lived, Irene (Rene) Frances Johnston passed away peacefully at Sunrise Gardens Age Care in Brooks, Alberta on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the age of 94.

Rene was born in Tilley, Alberta on January 2, 1931. The third daughter of Steven Juhasz and Jolan (Szilagyi). She grew up on the family farm near Tilley, Alberta. She attended school in Tilley where she met a lifelong friend Jacqueline (Lancos) Hajash at 6 years old. She was Jacqueline's Maid of Honor in 1948.

Rene was an entrepreneur and had a love for clothing design and fashion as she owned and operated a designer clothing store Tres Chic Madison Limited in Calgary, Alberta that she would travel and find unique styles to offer your clientele in the Palliser Square West and Chinook Centre locations. She worked in a doctor's office for a few years. Rene learned how to manage the stocks that she acquired with her second husband Roland Hope Johnston and lived with him in Calgary until his passing in October of 1983.

She continued to live in Calgary with the assistance of Jacqueline Hajash's daughters, Dianna and Priscilla, and became known as 'Auntie Rene' to our family. As time passed since Roland's passing it became apparent 'Auntie Rene' required more assistance with managing her affairs when she was diagnosed with Alzheimers. In June 2012 she was moved to Brooks, where she resided until her passing.

Rene will be remembered for her independence, determination and tenaciousness. She would love to have social gatherings in her home with friends and colleagues serving exquisite menus using her finest China. Many fond memories are of going for lunch with Rene as she would always suggest 'Lets go for lunch'.

Rene was predeceased by her husband Roland Hope Johnston in 1983, parents, Steven Juhasz in 1976 and Jolan Maria Szilagyi in 1981, Niece Cheryl McLennan in 1976, nephew Ronald McLennan in 2003 and sisters, Julie Mortimer in 2017 and Rose Elton in 2020.

Rene is survived by her niece Marilyn Prodanchuk of Calgary and nephew Douglas (Marianne) of Nanaimo B.C., her niece-in-law, Marge McLennan of Edmonton AB, along with grandnieces and grandnephews and their families.

Special thanks and heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Coetzee and the nurses and the staff at the Sunrise Gardens Age Care for their compassionate care and support helping to make Rene's last 13 years comfortable. There will be no funeral service or memorial held. If one so wishes, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of her favourite charities: Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation (childrenshospital.ab.ca  Dedicate Your Gift - Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation  Charitable Registration No is 13037 3244 RR0001) or The Calgary Zoo Foundation (donations@calgaryzoo.com. Calgary Zoological Society Charitable Registration No. is 118824192 RR0001) or The Calgary Philharmonic Society (Make A Donation - Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra calgaryphil.com  Calgary Philharmonic Charity Registration No. 118823863RR0001)

Condolences for Rene's family may be emailed to kelly@sfh.ca or through the Guestbook on sfh.ca.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks