Lillian Johnston

Lillian H. Johnston was born in Brooklyn, NY in the year of the great dust bowl and the time of Bonnie & Clyde and John Dillinger. She was the 5th of nine children, and treasured her 6 other sisters Edith, Catherine, Jeanette, Mary, Helen and Anna and her 2 brothers, Henry and William born to Henry and Edith (Jordan) Shappe. The family moved back to Charlestown, MA where Lil met and married the love of her life Robert (Red) Johnston when she was 21 years old. Lil brought 4 children Patrick, Robert, Maureen and Kathleen into this world and loved them richly and deeply until her death on September 8, 2024 at the age of 90.

In 1968, Lil and Red’s home in Charlestown, MA was taken by eminent domain (it is now the site of the Sullivan Station MBTA station) and the family relocated to Everett, MA.

Growing up Lil always cared for others and this trait became a dominant factor in her life. In 1971, with all her children in school, Lil went to work for Intercity Homemakers, an agency serving families and the elderly. During her tenure at Intercity Homemakers, Lillian held ever increasing levels of responsibility; from Homemaker, Home Health Aide, Field Supervisor, Caseload Manager and finally Opening and Managing Branches in Somerville, Salem, Medford and Watertown.

While working full time and raising 4 children Lil made volunteering a priority, this included serving as a Money Manager for some of Mystic Valley Elderly Services clients as: an Ombudsman in a nursing home and a waiting room hospitality hostess to families of severely ill residents. Lil “encouraged” her husband and children to participate when Lil‘s volunteering included, moving furniture, manning a recycling station, building gardens for JCCHA, collecting home goods, along with a host of

other activities, even giving up their beds when Lil took in refugee children from Vietnam and Cambodia. One of her favorite memories was cleaning the Immaculate Conception Church’s altar with her young daughters during the years her sons were altar boys.

Of all the roles she took on in her lifetime the one that fit her like a glove and brought her the greatest joy was being a grandmother to Jordan, Annie, Steven and Daniel and a great grandmother to Calum, Liam, Emerson, Scarlet, Charlie and Jack.

Lil has always been on the forefront of change from being part of the Mom’s March to Washington against the Vietnam War in the 70’s, her involvement in Everett’s first recycling station in the 80’s as well as traveling with her 2 daughters to Washington for the Women’s March in the 90’s.

After retiring from Intercity Lil worked and volunteered for the Council on Aging while teaching English comprehension to those who would soon gain citizenship. Throughout her working and volunteerism career Lil met wonderful people and was lucky to have impressive mentors and in turn she became a mentor to others. Lil has always felt fortunate that her volunteering brought her in contact with people who shared their stories, insights and histories, which served as great inspiration to Lil and in turn she inspired her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Cherished wife of the late Robert (Red) Johnston, Sr. Loving and proud mother and matriarch to her four children Patrick, Robert Jr, Maureen (Mo) and Kathleen and their spouses, Jayn, Elaine, Richard ( Chi Chi ) and Steve (Nuge). Treasured grandmother to Annie, Jordan and Lindsey, Steven and Samantha and Daniel. Honored great grandmother to Calum, Liam Scarlet, Emerson, Charlie and Jack. Daughter of the late Henry and Edith (Jordan). Devoted sister to Edith Small, Catherine Murray, Henry Shappe, Jeanette Griffin, Mary Cahill, Helen Shappe, Anna Rainone and William Shappe. Dear Aunt to all her loving nieces and nephews.

Lil will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to have known her. Family and friends are invited to visiting hours at the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main St., EVERETT, MA, Saturday, September 28th from 2-5 PM, complimentary valet parking will be available at funeral home. A celebration of life will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

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