Marie M. Johnston, 92, Altoona, died June 9, 2002 at her residence.She was born in Mears, Michigan on January 15, 1910 to John and Frances (Grenkowitz) Matalas. Marie married Robert Williamson in 1953. After his death, she married Willard O. Johnston December 22, 1971 in Altoona. Willard died in 1994. \r\nShe was a secretary at Uniroyal for 29 years, retiring in 1973.\r\nMarie was initiated in to the Order of the Eastern Star in 1968 and was member of Eau Claire Chapter No. 126, and a member of White Shrine of Jerusalem.\r\nSurvivors include; two sisters, Josephine Peavey of Wausau and Fifi Gates of Merrillan; two brothers, George and Tony, all of Merrillan; and several nieces and nephews.\r\nShe was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, William and James.\r\nMarie and Willard loved flowers and after his death she took care of their beautiful garden by herself. She was very interested in birds and watched the many birds at her feeder. Marie loved to dance in her youth. She also loved to cook and have a table surrounded by family and friends.\r\nMarie was a caring, giving, and loving person to her many friends and family. She made a difference in the lives of many people and will be missed by all who knew her.\r\nMemorial services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2002 at United Methodist Church in Altoona, with Pastor David Anderson officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Merrillan. Friends may call an hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. An Eastern Star service will commence at 3 p.m. at the church. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home is assisting the family.\r\nThe family requests memorials be directed to the United Methodist Church in Altoona.

Service Information