October 9, 2020
by Donna Smith
In these transient days of people moving from one place to another, it is refreshing to write about our friend Madeline who has lived in Richmond Hill for 78 years! And in the same house for 76 years!
Madeline Johnston, an only child, came with her parents to live on Carrville Road in 1942 when her Father began working on a large fox farm located between Carrville Road and Major Mackenzie Drive, Yonge and Bathurst Streets. Two years later, the family purchased their home at 99 Mill Street and Madeline has lived there ever since. She married and had a son; he married and had a son who both moved away from Richmond Hill, but Madeline remained in her childhood house. She is moving to Lakefield where her son has bought a house and he has made an ensuite apartment for her.
Madeline has been an active member of our community all these years. She has been a member of Richmond Hill United since arriving, and has been especially active with the United Church Women’s organization. Willing to help wherever needed, Madeline has served on their Executive and for 25+ years has arranged for the food and volunteers for funeral receptions. Her creative skills have been shared making crafts for sales and table centre-pieces for many luncheons. One has to wonder just how many casseroles, cookies, sandwiches, squares, and her famous salmon loaf, she has made and brought to share! And for so many events, she has found her participation willingly washing dishes, saying that being short in stature, she was just the right height for the sinks!
Madeline has been a member of the Richmond Hill Garden & Horticultural Society for many years, attending meetings, bringing food to share and helping where she felt able. Her home is on a large lot and she has filled it with gardens, both floral and vegetables, starting plants from seeds and cuttings and nurturing them to beauty and harvest. About ten years ago, Madeline and two volunteers from the “Hort” went out to judge nominated gardens in their assigned area for recipients of a Front Garden Recognition sign, sponsored by the Hort, Royal LePage Realty and the Town of Richmond Hill. After a long, hot day together that July, both friends commiserated how exhausted they felt on their way home, just wanting to put their feet up and rest but not Madeline, who said as she got out of the car, she still had time that afternoon/evening to cut the grass on her large lot…. I hasten to add that the other two ladies were much younger than Madeline!
The Richmond Hill Historical Society has been another interest of Madeline’s for many years, attending meetings and helping with food and events. She has been the “go to” person to ask about Richmond Hill’s past.
These words are a quick snapshot of the person who is loved by many neighbours and friends in her community. Madeline will be missed, her willingness to help causes and people in need, her very positive attitude and happy disposition which she shows in her smile and sense of humour. Many have Madeline as a role model, but it is very hard to keep up with this 97 year old wonderful person and citizen!
Richmond Hill Historical Society 