Mary was born on July 29, 1942, in Belleville, IL, to her late parents, Oliver and Kathleen, nee Riley, Friess. Mary lived in Caseyville, IL, where she worked in quality assurance at Anheuser-Busch and worked in admitting at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL. She retired in 2004 and dedicated her remaining time to caring for her grandchildren, as she was a very family-oriented woman.
Mary was a caring, patient, fun-loving, and supportive mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and daughter. She had a passion for music. She enjoyed playing piano in her spare time. She truly was an inspiration to all.
Mary was preceded in death by her sisters and brothers-in-law: Patricia, Barbara and Bill, Kathleen and Smitty; and her brother and sister-in-law, David and Bonnie.
Surviving are her sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Lynn Morrison of Jackson, Missouri;
her sons and daughters-in-law, Sidney F. IV and Bernadette Johnston of Sioux Falls, SD,
Randy and Chong Ae Johnston of Wood River, IL,
and Lance Johnston of Collinsville, IL;
her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Javid Shojaie of Irwin, PA;
her seven grandchildren, Rachel Shojaie, Lance Johnston II, Mina Shojaie,
Sidney F. Johnston V, Nathan Johnston, Amber Shojaie, and Kaylie Shojaie;
and her many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 (www.lbda.org/go/donate). Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. All are welcome to join us as we celebrate Mary’s life.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For Mary Johnston
Love and hugs to Aunt Mary Beth’s lovely family. What a dear lady. She will be missed.
Ray and Marybeth McAteer, St. Charles, MO, 63301
Lance…I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your mom. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. In time, I hope you can find comfort in the memories you have of her. I can see by your pictures that she was a beautiful woman. May she rest in peace. Take care…
Fondly,
Mary Barbara
Mary Barbara Kurtz, Belleville, Il, 62220
To the Entire Johnston Clan,
Eric and I are so sorry for your loss! Aunt Mary will be greatly missed! She was a graceful and beautiful soul! We were blessed to know her our whole lives. And thankful for all the wonderful memories we all made as family.
We are praying for your family at this time of the loss of your mother
Monica Ordoukhanian, Belleville, Illinois, 62220
Rest in peace Mary Beth.
Margie Klich Price, St.. Louis, Missouri,