In Riverview, New Brunswick, the community is grappling with the loss of a remarkable woman: Jennifer Bette Johnston (née Plant), 57, who passed away on September 4, 2025, at Maison Albert House Hospice after a courageous 20-year battle with cancer. A veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, friend, wife, and mother, Johnston embodied resilience, empathy, and fierce loyalty, leaving behind a legacy that resonates far beyond her immediate circle.
A Life of Service & Devotion
Sergeant Jennifer Johnston served with distinction for 30 years, rising through the ranks in the RCMP. Her career took her from Regina to Montreal, then to Port Elgin and Moncton. She was especially proud of her contributions to Montreal’s organized crime unit and her instrumental role in establishing the RCMP’s call-back unit in Moncton. Her colleagues remember her not only for her tough resolve but also her empathetic leadership—qualities honored long after her retirement.
Beyond her uniform, Johnston was deeply embedded in her community as an active Rotarian with the Greater Moncton Sunrise Rotary Club. Known as the friend who “told you the hard truth with a soft shoulder,” she was affectionately dubbed “Switzerland”: a mediator and consensus-builder with an empathetic core, and—when needed—a colorful tongue to restore balance.
Love at the Center
To her husband, Will, and her sons Michael, Andrew, Patrick, Spencer, and Rory, Johnston was the heart and soul of their family. Her unwavering focus on her family was a source of enduring strength and comfort. Married on the same day they met five years earlier, Will and Jennifer’s partnership symbolized unity and deep love. Her devotion to their sons remained steadfast until the end—manifesting in pride, joy, and infinite love.
An Inspiring Battle
For over two decades, Jennifer faced cancer with dignity and grace. Her daily mantra, “I’m so grateful,” was less a phrase and more a way of life—echoing her belief in gratitude, no matter the circumstances. Her tenacity and grace throughout illness were inspiring to all who knew her, reflecting a life lived with unwavering spirit.
Her family expressed deep appreciation for the compassionate care she received from Dr. Sarah Ironside, the Moncton Hospital Oncology and Palliative Care teams, and the Maison Albert House Hospice staff—acknowledging how their professionalism and kindness brought comfort during her final days.
Legacy of Love
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcomed to Friends of The Moncton Hospital (Oncology or Palliative Care) or Maison Albert House Hospice SENB, honoring her legacy of caregiving and empathy. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, allowing loved ones time to reflect and gather.
