Jun 19, 2022

Patricia R. Johnston passed away peacefully, in her home, Friday, May 20, 2022, in Burien, Wash., where her family surrounded her in her final days.

Pat was born in Pontiac, Mich., January 2, 1929, her father’s birthday, a special bond between them, which she treasured.

Pat was a lifelong believer in social justice and human rights, an active member of any community she lived in, and matriarch of a large family spanning five generations.

Pat’s family moved a lot during her childhood as her father worked to support the family during the Depression, living in Detroit, Mich., Marietta, Ohio, and finally Coraopolis, where she graduated from high school in 1947.

She married James E. Johnston November 27, 1947. Together they had five children and then welcomed two more through adoption.

After several moves, the family settled in Washington in 1960, where Pat was active at Immaculate Conception parish, and many other community organizations. They fostered many children and built lifelong friendships.

In 1974, Pat and Jim relocated to Seattle, Wash., making a home in the Burien area.

Pat volunteered as a reading tutor, served on the Boulevard Park Library Guild, as well as working, eventually as a residential loan closer for Washington Mutual Bank. For years you would find her walking with her friends every Saturday.

After Jim died in 1990, Pat moved to a condominium, where she served as secretary and gardening coordinator to the Homeowners’ Association.

Pat volunteered for over 20 years at the SeaTac Senior Program. She had a gift of creating community wherever she was.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Johnston; and son, Daniel A. Johnston; her parents, Thomas M. and Maude H. Riley; and siblings.

She is survived by her children, Susan McDade of Bridgeville, Linda Michael of Burien, Michael Johnston of Washington, Grace Wegener (William) of Grapeview, Wash., Jane Bowling of Puyallup, Wash., Douglas Johnston (Julie) of Federal Way, Wash., and daughter-in-law, Barbara Johnston of Forest Grove, Ore. Pat’s legacy includes her grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren and many friends who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of life is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 26, in SeaTac Community Center, 13735 24th Avenue South, SeaTac, WA 98168.

Pat donated to many organizations. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to your local food bank.