Mary Jean (Mishlan) Johnston

Mary Jean Johnston passed away peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2022 surrounded by loved ones at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh.

She was born in 1948 to John E. and Regina E. (Dizbal) Mishlan in Pittsburgh.

Mary Jean was a member of Ss. Cosmas & Damian Parish and was actively involved with Friends of the Library and the Punxsutawney Garden Club. Her hobbies included traveling, cooking, gardening, shopping and, of course, planning garage sales.  But, she got the most joy from spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren.  They adored her and cherished their special time together as much as she did.  She was a “bingo master” and “the best seashell finder.”  They also enjoyed when she made them her “world famous mashed potatoes.” After graduating from Elizabeth Seton High School in Pittsburgh, she attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education. She went on to teach Home Economics for 33 years at Punxsutawney Area High School and formed lasting bonds with many of her students.  After her retirement from teaching, she spent 7 years as the Director of the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Michael J. Johnston, Punxsutawney, her children Christopher Johnston and wife Jessica of Charlotte, NC and Kelly Grant and husband Josh of  Wexford, and her 5 grandchildren: Rosemary, Evelyn, Julia, Jake and Ben.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Monday December 12, at 11:00 AM at Saint Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church, Punxsutawney, PA , with Msgr. Joseph Riccardo officiating.

The McCabe Funeral Home Inc., of Punxsutawney has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial donations can be made to the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center https://weatherdiscovery.org or the

Punxsutawney Garden Club, 1297 Starr Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

To share a memory, visit www.mccabewaldronfh.com.