Sylvia Jean Standen Johnston

Traverse City – Sylvia Jean Standen Johnston, 99, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on March 4, 2023. Sylvia was born in Uxbridge, England on November 26, 1923 to the late William and Flora Jones. Sylvia served in the Royal Air Force during WWII, where she met a handsome young man by the name of Alexander Johnston at a military dance. It was love at first sight and two married on September 13, 1944. Alex moved to America for work and to establish a life for his family in 1955 while Sylvia waited in Scotland with their three young sons. Sylvia and the boys traveled across the Atlantic on a ship called the Captain Cook where Alex was waiting for his family in their first car. In 1972, they moved from the Detroit area to Traverse City. Sylvia was an accomplished seamstress and loved to crochet and knit. She was known for making many beautiful baby outfits and blankets for family and friends and even knit matching mittens for her granddaughter’s entire hockey team. In more recent years even when her eyesight was failing, she continued to knit and crochet. She was also a long-time member of the Presbyterian Church. Following Alex’s death in 1992, she began walking at the civic center daily. It kept her young and healthy and she loved to get outdoors. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, William and Flora Jones, husband Alexander, sister Daphne and brother Raymond. Sylvia is survived by her children Alexander (Jennet) Johnston, Gordon (Suk-cha) Johnston, David Johnston, and Carol (Steven) Baker; grandchildren Kim (Andrew) Lefevre, Christopher (Dana) Johnston, Bernadette (Todd) Minaudo, Michelle Lynch, Karen (Scott) Johnston Jackson, Jenifer (Matt) Copeland, Brandyn Baker, Jordon (Allison) Baker, Danika Baker; 13 great grandchildren and many loved grand dogs. The family will be having a celebration of Sylvia’s life at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society. She loved dogs throughout her life, and they loved her. She always spoiled them with endless treats and affection. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with the family.

Sylvia Jean Standen Johnston

November 26, 1923 - March 4, 2023