Irene Johnston, 78, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, passed away on July 24, 2026, at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Irene was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, on November 20, 1947.

She married the love of her life Harley Johnston on August 3, 1968. Irene worked alongside Harley at the Ear Falls and Red Lake Home Hardware stores for more than 35 years.

Irene is lovingly remembered by her children, Corrine Dreger of Neepawa, Manitoba; Bev (Brian) Brattengeier of Nipigon, Ontario; Terry Johnston of Thunder Bay, Ontario; and Crystal (Mike) Gastmeier of Thunder Bay, Ontario. She is also survived by her brothers, Wes (Lorraine) Gadd, Roy (Shirley) Gadd, Fred Gadd, and Glenn Gadd; her sister-in-law, Sandra Gadd; her grandchildren, Jonathon, Alyssa, Jayme, Brett, Breanna, Kyle, and Rya; and her great-grandchildren, Kayden, Walker, Sophie, Landon, Dax, Scottie, Bennett, and Emersyn. She will also be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harley Johnston; her brother, Walter Gadd; and her son-in-law, Ralph Dreger.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Irene’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society through Herold Funeral Home, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.