Marion 1910–2006
Wally 1906–1990
York Cemetery
Section P Lot 532
Dr. Marion Jane Johnston (née Lawson) and her husband, Dr. William Wallace “Wally” Johnston, shared a remarkable life devoted to science, education and family. Marion, born in Toronto in the early 20th century, was a trailblazer for women in academia. At a time when few women pursued higher education, she earned a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Toronto, where she met Wally, a fellow doctoral student. Their shared passion for research led them to Halifax, where they played a pivotal role in improving cod liver oil, a vital nutritional supplement during the war years.
Wally Johnston, born in Walkerton, Ontario, graduated from the University of Toronto in 1928 and earned his doctorate in 1934. During his doctoral studies, he spent summers at the federal fisheries research station in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and joined the station full-time after completing his degree. Johnston later served as a captain with the Princess Louise Fusiliers, briefly stationed on the eastern seaboard following the outbreak of World War II. When German submarine attacks in the Atlantic disrupted imports of fish liver oil from Sweden and Norway – critical to the United States, Canada and other Commonwealth nations – Johnston was recalled to the laboratory. His expertise as a biochemist was considered far more valuable than his military service. After the war, he shifted to education, ultimately becoming head of the chemistry department at Streetsville High School. Known as “the man who took the smell out of fish liver oil,” Wally passed away in April 1990 at age 84.
Marion balanced teaching with family life, later dedicating herself to caring for Wally during his illness. She passed away in 2006 and is remembered for her warmth and encouragement. Today, both rest together at York Cemetery, their lives intertwined in science, service and love.
Sources:
• Wikipedia – Cod Liver Oil
• Mount Pleasant Group – William Johnson
Photos:
• During the morning break, three pupils receive spoonfuls of Extract of Malt and Cod Liver Oil from their teacher at Fen Ditton Junior School, Cambridgeshire. Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer, released by the Imperial War Museum on the IWM Non Commercial Licence, public domain via Wikimedia Commons
• Cod liver oil with malt extract, Wellcome Collection gallery, CC BY 4.0
• Making and loading of cod liver oil, Paul-Émile Miot, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Poster - British Ministry of Food (November 1946), United Kingdom Open Government Licence v3.0
