author Rehabilitation Science Therapist
A native of Sault Sainte Marie, she completed her studies in physiotherapy and rehabilitation medicine at the University of Toronto and received a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Western Ontario and an Master of Science degree at McGill University. She also graduated as a Doctor of Philosophy in rehabilitation science at McGill.
The Johnstons married in 1965 and were high school sweethearts. She began her medical career working for the Crippled Children"s Centre in Toronto, now known as the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. At the time of her husband"s appointment as Governor General, she was taking a creative writing course at Humber College and writing a historical fiction novel.
The novel, the first volume of a planned trilogy, was published by Dundurn Press as Matrons and Madams in April 2015.
They have five daughters together. As the Viceregal consort of Canada, she is styled Her Excellency while in office.
