The world is better because Erin was here. Her unique person – curious, adventurous, loyal, practical, intensely loving, cool, athletic, independent, determined, generous, artistic, fun-loving, with a strong sense of justice – was a true gift that affected, for good, her family, friends and workplaces. She lived life on her own terms—with a love of music, work where she could be of service, and her singular cockeyed humour ever present.

Erin was devoted to her family. She was wonderful to her parents in their difficult years and adored her nieces and nephew. Erin had long standing, deeply loyal friends who continued to care for her as Alzheimer’s took her from us. But the cruelty of the disease never diminished Erin’s good and loving nature. Erin was a great lover of dogs; Elliot and then Walter led the best of lives.

Erin got a degree in social work followed by a degree in family medicine. She found her perfect job in Toronto as physician at the Hassle Free clinic and on board the IWHC mobile clinic, serving vulnerable people often overlooked by the healthcare system. One of the highlights of her professional life was working at Mother Teresa’s street clinic in Calcutta. Subsequently Erin hosted Mother Teresa at Corrymeela’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre in Northern Ireland.

Erin was remarkably adventurous. When she was just 17, she embarked on a grueling, all-expenses-spared trip through Africa. Later, a trip to Nepal that inspired a lifelong love of mountains and unlocked an extraordinary eye for photography. Throughout her life, and even as the disease ravaged her faculties, her eye for beauty was always alive.

Those who knew her well will want to sing a Beatles song in her honour.

Erin is survived by her older sister Ann Jervis (Roy Hogg), her younger brother Clayton Johnston (Kate Johnston), her nephew Dylan Jervis (Allana Hearn), her nieces Bronwen Jervis, Emily Johnston and Sammy Johnston (Wes Myron).

The family will honour and remember Erin at a small private gathering. Donations can be made either to the Hassle Free Clinic, Toronto or your provincial SPCA.