In loving memory of an extraordinary woman whose kindness and strength touched many lives. Beverley (“Bev”) Johnston, a longtime resident of Kenora, Ontario, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at the age of 86. She had been a resident of the Peter D. Clark Long-Term Care Home in Ottawa since August 2024.
Bev began working at the Kenora Jail in 1964 as a Correctional Officer. She progressed steadily through the ranks and, in 1982, was appointed Superintendent of the Kenora Jail. She served in that role for 16 years, becoming the first female Superintendent in Ontario of a maximum-security co-ed correctional facility - a remarkable achievement at a time when few women held leadership roles in corrections. During her tenure, Bev was known to be tough but fair and compassionate. She was affectionately referred to by some as “Barracuda” or “Waabishkii-Waabooz” (Waabooz for short). She earned the respect of colleagues, staff and inmates alike for her fairness, strength and integrity.
Left to miss her more than words can express are her daughter Shannon Denovan (Bernie Lavallee); Shannon’s daughters, Mikayla (Bryan Malek) and Shalene (Daniel Porter); and three treasured great-grandbabies, Levi Malek and Quinn and Beckham Porter, all residing in Ottawa. Bev is also survived by her son Les Lutczyn of St. Albert, Alberta; his daughters, Jamie-Lee and Natasha; and son Nicholas Hackworth.
Bev will also be remembered as a loving and special aunt to Michelle, Marcel and Mannly Dubroy, and Karen, Patrick and Krystal Archibald. She is also survived by her dear sister Helen Archibald of Ottawa.
Bev was predeceased by her parents, Anne (Kurtz) and Mike Shiska of Kenora, Ontario, and by her sisters Cheryl Karaim of Edmonton, Alberta, and Adeline Milton of Parksville, British Columbia.
Bev spent much of her life in Kenora, growing up there, raising her daughter, building a career, and enjoying small-town life in a close-knit community of friends and relatives. She loved the lake, camping, attempts at fishing, curling, and happy hour with work colleagues.
In 1998, after 34 years with the Ministry of Correctional Services, Bev retired and moved to Ottawa to spend more time with Shannon and her family. Bev lived with Shannon and family for a couple of years, then bought a little brick bungalow on a one-acre lot just two doors away. She happily lived “next door” for the next 23 years.
Bev loved being a mother, but becoming a grandmother brought her a whole new level of joy. “Nan,” as she was known to Mikayla and Shalene, was an active part of their daily lives from the time each was born. She was their full-time “Nanny-sitter” while their parents were at work—nurturing them, caring for them when they had the sniffles, taking them to playgroups and activities, and serving as their chauffeur. She helped with homework and Halloween costumes, attended all the big events, and cheered far too loudly at soccer games and dance competitions.
A cherished mother, “Nan,” great-Nan, sister, aunt and dear friend, Bev will always be remembered for being warm and welcoming to everyone, including stray animals and visiting wildlife. She had a wonderful sense of humour, a quick wit, and so many entertaining stories to share. A woman with a heart of gold, whose strength, humour and love continue to light the path of all who were fortunate to know her.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date in Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be shared through the Cole Funeral Services website (Ottawa).