Mary Betty Johnston

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Betty Johnston, who passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, after a lifetime of creating beauty wherever she went.


Born in 1936 in Drummond, Victoria County, New Brunswick, Canada, she was the beloved daughter of the late John Sr. and Rose (Grenier) Zolondek. Although she made her home in the United States, Canada forever held a special place in her heart. Family will forever cherish the sound of her sweet accent and the way she and her sisters would effortlessly slip into French, sharing stories, laughter, and memories in the language of their childhood.


She had a remarkable gift for making every place feel warm and welcoming. An avid home decorator, she delighted in creating beautiful floral arrangements, tending to her gardens, and filling her home with warmth and beauty. She loved cooking for those she cared about and was happiest when she could share a home-cooked meal, bulbs from her garden, or one of her favorite desserts with family and friends. Anyone who knew her knew she never met a dessert she didn’t love. Her generosity was quiet but constant, and she found joy in caring for others through life’s simple, thoughtful gestures.


She is lovingly survived by her husband of 62 years, Curtis Johnston, her children, David (Dawn) Johnston of Show Low, Arizona, April (Jeff) Summers of Almo, Kentucky, and Angela (Mark) Dayoc of Jacksonville, North Carolina, her grandchildren who knew her as “Memaw”, Dustin, Adam, Justin, Brittany (Jake) Taylor, Megan (Alex) Haneline, and Aubrey (Bre) Summers, and her cherished great-grandchildren, Owen, Ethan, Holden, Landon, Averlee, Ledger, Wilder, and Bodie.


She is also survived by her sisters, Madeleine Cameron of Toronto, Ontario; Barbara (Peter) Craig of Lewiston, Maine; Marylin (Joe) Kosteleny of Danbury, Connecticut; Dorothy (Joe) Ginzel of Osage City, Kansas; Judy Lobe of Ohio; and Danny Zolondek of New Brunswick, Canada.


In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Andy, John Jr., and Ted; her sisters, Ruth and Patsy.


She will be remembered for her warm hearted, spirit, and unwavering love for her family. A true social butterfly, she never met a stranger and had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcome.


Her memory lives on in the gardens she planted, the traditions she passed down, and the countless lives she touched with her generosity, friendship, and love.


A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.