Wink Johnston, Elaine Mary's Obituary
September 8th, 1963 – May 7th, 2026
Elaine Mary Wink Johnston, known as Wink Chapman, was born in 1963 in Buffalo, New York, to English/American parents. Her family moved to California when she was six, where she spent the remainder of her life growing into a lovely woman and building a vibrant career.
Wink was a proud graduate of Don’s Beauty School, where she completed her cosmetology training and went on to become a highly successful beautician and business owner. She operated two salons in the San Francisco Bay Area, including her most recent venture, Tonic on Ralston Avenue in Belmont. Built from the ground up through her dedication and vision, Tonic continues to thrive and has been recognized as one of the 2025 Top 3 Businesses in Belmont.
Talented and multifaceted, Wink played the cello in her younger years, as well as sang an a cappella version of Olivia Newton John’s “Please, Mister, Please”. She traveled the world, embraced new experiences, and left a meaningful impact on the many people she met throughout her life. More recently, she played golf, and she found joy dancing, attending courses at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Millbrae, where she earned distinction of Merit in the Newcomers Division.
As compassionate as Wink was in her love for animals, they, in turn, held an even deeper affection for her, especially her cherished cats, who flourished under her attentive care and gentle devotion.
Wink is survived by her sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who will miss her deeply. Although words in an obituary will never capture the experience of knowing Wink, her warmth, creativity, humour, and lively spirit will be remembered.
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