Marilyn A. Johnston

Marilyn A. Johnston, nee McAteer , 88, of Belleville, IL, born Sunday, June 11, 1922, in East St. Louis, IL, died Thursday, March 17, 2011 at her residence, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.

Mrs. Johnston served as a teacher and principal at Blessed Sacrament School in Belleville for over 20 years and devoted her teaching career to Catholic education. She was a proud graduate of Notre Dame Academy and Fontbonne University. She cherished her friendship with her Notre Dame classmates. Throughout her life Marilyn was active in many church and community organizations including Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, St. Ann's Sodality of Blessed Sacrament, St. Clair County Women's Club, and Knights of Columbus Council 592 Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her:

  • Husband: Joseph J. Johnston whom she married July 12, 1952
  • Parents: John and Margaret nee Flaherty McAteer

She is survived by her:

  • 2 Sons and their wives along with her loving grandchildren
    •  John and Becky Johnston, of Belleville, IL
      • Their 5 children
        • Hilary (Jeremy) Desmon
        • Laura Johnston
        • Ellen Johnston (fiance Jay Byrnes)
        • Scott Johnston
        • David Johnston
    • Don and Kim Johnston of Belleville, IL 
      • Their 3 children
        • Jessica Johnston (fiance Hugh Thompson)
        • Kyle Johnston
        • Stephanie Johnston
  • Brother: John (Verna) McAteer of Greenville, IL
  • Sister in laws
    • Rita Johnston of Belleville, IL 
    • Bena Thrailkill of CA

Special thanks: The family would like to thank the staff of St. Francis Assisted Living Center and Dammert Center at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows for the love and care they have given Marilyn in her years as a resident. They also recognize and appreciate the loving devotion of her good friend, Sally Cermak.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Blessed Sacrament School Endowment Fund.

Visitation: Friends may call from 3-7 P.M., Sunday, March 20 at the Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL

Funeral: Funeral procession will leave 9:45am on Monday, March 21, 2011 from Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL for a 10:00am Mass of Christian burial at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL with Father Clyde Grogan officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

Condolences left for Marilyn A. Johnston:

    John & Don,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I know that Joe is taking good care of her now.

    Joe Chappell Shiloh Illinois 62221

    My prayer and thoughts are with all of you. I really enjoyed my friendship with your mom as well as your dad through the KC Auxiliary. What a smile! She was special.

    Marcia Gehlhausen Fairview Heights Il 62208

    Please accept my deepest sympathy to Don and John and John and Verna McAteer and Marilyn's grandchildren. I'm very glad that I knew Marilyn personally. She was a grand lady. Many years ago I was a friend of John McAteer when we were members of CYO at St. Henry's and that is where I met Marilyn and was very fond of her. I'm very happy that Don and his family are good friends of my daughter and son-in-law and family (Chris and Carol Padgett). Your family are being remembered in my thoughts and prayers. My cousins David and Marie Oughton were very fond of Marilyn when they taught at Blessed Sacrament many years ago. I think God chose this wonderful Irish lady to be in heaven on St. Patrick's Day.

    Sharon Rickert Swansea IL 62226

    Our deepest sympathy to all of Marilyn's family . I have great memories of her from my years at Blessed Sacrament .. she was truly devoted to the students . The occassions that I saw her in my adult life she always had smile and a kind word . Cherish the fond memories of her in your hearts .

    Nancy Fechter-Peterson Belleville IL 62223

    My heartfelt condolences to John, Don, and the entire Johnston family on the loss of Mrs. Johnston. She and the Johnston family touched and helped shape my life in so many ways and I'm truly blessed to have known her. Earth has lost a wonderful person, but Heaven has gained a new Angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Bill Potts II Dacono Colorado 80514

    Just seeing this picture brought a smile to my face - so many wonderful memories the Johnston/McAteer clan has shared. I only wish my kids had known "Cousin Marilyn and Joe" better. I still credit all of the post cards she sent me as a child as being a huge inspiration for my love of traveling. I can picture her now up in heaven reunited with the whole gang - Marie, Frank (Gabe), Mom Mom, Pop Pop, Dolly, Gen, Rose Hassey, Onie, Big Rich, Uncle Oliver. I feel blessed to have known her. She was a great lady who will be dearly missed. Love to all, Amy

    Amy McAteer Schamroth Old Brookville New York 11545

    To the Johnston Family - I am so sorry to the sad news about Aunt Marilyn - she was wonderful and I have such great memories of her and of your dad. We will keep you all close to our hearts during this time - but I feel better knowing that she is with Uncle Joe and Granny Mama too.
    Love to you all, the Hardings and the Ruddys

    Elizabeth Ruddy Aurora Illinois 60506

    I have very fond memories of Mrs. Johnston from my years at Blessed Sacrament Grade School, and then for years after seeing her at mass there at the church. She was a grand lady, and I am a better person and priest for having come under her influence. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

    The Rev. James C. Pappas III Sewanee Tennessee 37375

    I was so honored to have your parents as my godparents. I kept in contact with them the best that I could. My mother treasured here childhood/adult friendship with Marilyn and loved to share stories of their great times together. I loved her smile and will sure miss her....

    Janet Tate Rice San Diego Ca 92014

    I was so sorry to see that Marilyn had passed away. I visited Marilyn and Joe several years ago when I was on a genealogy trip to Illinois and St. Louis. They were both very kind to me, taking me out to dinner and loaning me some old family pictures to print.

    Marilyn said that she remembered my Aunt Josephine Moellinger talking about a niece named Marilyn who lived in Califoria and that she wished that we could meet.

    My grandfather, Joseph Francis Moellinger, and Marilyn's grandmother, Mary Ann (Moellinger) McAteer were brother and sister.

    My sincere condolences to all her family. She was a very sweet person and I know that you will miss her very much.

    Marilyn Lane Roseville CA 95747