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Barbara P. Johnston

Aug 14, 1940 - Jul 11, 2021

Barbara P. Johnston

August 14, 1940 - July 11, 2021

Obituary

Barbara P. (Corey) Johnston

GREECE - July 11, 2021. Barbara is predeceased by her husband Gerald Johnston. She is survived by her children, Debbie Ake, Kevin (Joyce) Johnston & Stephen (Jackie) Johnston; grandchildren, Corey (Erika) Johnston, Joshua (Amber) Ake, Jennifer Swanson, Ryanne Johnston, Nicole Johnston & Colin Johnston; siblings, Donald (Jean) Corey, Carol Hawkins & Marilyn (Barth) Chris- tian; brother-in-law Ronald (Norma) Johnston; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends.

Barbara's life story will be shared during her visitation at the Funeral Home, Thursday, July 15th, 3-7 PM. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Friday, July 16th, 10 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2400 W. Ridge Rd., immediately followed by her burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to, Wilmot Cancer Center-URMC, 601 Elmwood Ave., Box 704, Rochester, NY 14642 in her memory.

Barbara Johnston as a young child grew up on Violetta St. with her brother and two sisters. Went to West High School and helped at her father's tavern; where she would go on to meet her future husband, Jerry Johnston. They were married for 52 years and had 3 children, Debbie, Kevin, and Stephen.

I believe after her love for her family and helping others out her favorite past time was playing bingo, which was a special time she shared with her mother (Margaret). As her own kids grew older, mom would take us with her and her mother to play bingo. A fond memory of ours is after a game of bingo they would take us to Akerman's Restaurant on Lyell Ave. A hot turkey and gravy sandwich was always found on the table.

Mom and Dad enjoyed a trip to Las Vegas in 1972. It was her first time on an airplane. Dad would even get her on a small 4-seat plane and fly over the Grand Canyon on that trip. They enjoyed several shows in Vegas and it was a big highlight for her. She was planning a special trip this summer with her daughter, Debbie.

She started her family by raising 3 of us in a house on Michigan street and sending us to Holy Apostle's School. When we moved to our new home on Laurelwood Drive in Greece, mom enrolled us in St. John Evangelist church. This is where we went to church every Sunday and would go to Buckman's Dairy after church and buy a loaf of hot fresh-baked Italian bread. Mom would always make a pasta dinner for the family on Sunday.

During our summers growing up, mom and dad would take us on many camping trips including Wescott Beach in the Thousand Islands. Some times we would stay close to home and venture out to Hamlin Beach and Lakeside Beach. These were some very special times with our family.

Mom got a job at the brand-new hospital right down the street from us (Park Ridge Hospital). Her job as a transporter put a smile on all the patients' faces and would continue friendships with the staff outside of work. She truly enjoyed this time in her life.

Mom always worried about others and as kids growing up, we would always see her face in the front window as we would be playing basketball in the driveway or baseball in the street. She always had us inside at 5:00 o'clock for dinner with the family.

I believe her faith and love for our family has made each of us the people we are today.

When her husband passed in 2012, mom embarked on a new way of life. She was excited to move into her new place at Mill Landing. It took her only one day to become the social butterfly that she eventually became well known as. She was the bingo caller at the clubhouse and enjoyed many card games. Mom met so many people there and one special lady in particular who became very near and dear to her heart is Carm. Mom and Carm were known as "partners in crime."

Mom was especially blessed with 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. They were very special to her. She had many names, Grandma, Grandma Barb and Gigi. She attended all the graduations, sports, dance recitals, plays, birthday parties and many more events. Babysitting over the years always brought a smile to her face.

One of the biggest surprises in her life was on August 23, 2020, during the COVID pandemic, we planned a surprise 80th birthday party for mom. She was so surprised and thankful that all of her family was there to celebrate her very special day with her.

The past few months, when we stopped over, she would be sitting in her chair watching games shows, Channel 177 on Spectrum TV!

Her greatest treasure was her family.





Services

Visitation
Thu, Jul 15, 2021 at 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home

1411 Vintage Lane
Rochester, NY 14626

Service
Fri, Jul 16, 2021 at 10:00 am
St. John the Evangelist Church (Greece)

2400 W Ridge Rd,
Rochester, NY

Interment
Fri, Jul 16, 2021 at 11:30 am
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

2461 Lake Ave
Rochester, New York 14612

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