Mary Alice (Mercer) Johnston

Mary Alice (Mercer) Johnston died unexpectedly with family at her side, on Friday, August 13, 2021. She missed her beloved husband, Thomas Johnston, so much that she just could not stay with us one more minute.

Born on June 22, 1932 to Hugh and Catherine (Case) Mercer in Columbus, OH. Mary Alice graduated from Holy Name Elementary and Rosary High School. She worked for Traveler’s Insurance.  She met her beloved Thomas at a CYO dance and they married on June 25,1955. They enjoyed almost 66 years of marriage before his death on June 14, 2021. A devoted wife and mother, Mary Alice lived for her family and always put them first. She loved her role as Mamma and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Mary Alice volunteered in her community and the Catholic parishes she belonged to. She was named Muscular Dystrophy Marcher of the Year after participating in eleven marches. She also taught religious education and will be remembered for the hundreds, maybe thousands, of cookies that she lovingly baked and gave at Christmas and other times of the year. A devoted Catholic and longtime parishioner of St Joseph Cathedral where her husband, Tom, served as a Permanent Deacon and together they shared the ministry of visiting the sick and homebound of the parish.

Mary Alice is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas V Johnston, her parents Hugh and Catherine (Case) Mercer and siblings: Richard Mercer, Eileen (Charles) Sullivan, Catherine Louise (Joseph) King and Ann Marie Elkins.

She is survived by her children: Kathleen (Rick) Markin, Maureen (Murry) Mercier and Tim (Julie) Johnston; grandchildren: Angela (Fred) Seger, Carrie (Jason) Bercan, Christie (Adam) Walker, Murry (Ashley Ness) Mercier, Maggie (Ted) Webb, Melissa Mercier, Andrew (Amber) Johnston, Eric Markin, Michael (Haley) Johnston, Adam (Sarah Bowenschulte) Markin; great grandchildren  Julia, Ava, Ashley, Aiden, Carson, Camryn, Grayson, Caden, Riley, Sophie, Charlotte, Henry, Wendy, Griffin and Grant; brothers James (Charlene), Michael (Connie) and Phillip (Susan) Mercer; sisters-in-law Joan Mercer, Claudette Johnston and Emma Johnston; brother-in-law J.R. Elkins; many beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call 4 - 7 pm on Thursday, August 19 at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 E Broad St. Rosary at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 1:00 pm at St Joseph Cathedral, 212 E Broad St.  Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Donations made be made in Mary Alice’s name to The Backdoor Ministries at St Joseph Cathedral or the Muscular Dystrophy Association,161 N. Clark St., Suite 3550, Chicago, Il. 60601.

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