Mary Ellen Johnston

Mary Ellen Johnston passed away peacefully on January 16 ^th , 2020, at the golden age of 93.

Born Mary Ellen Leighton; she graduated High School in Minneapolis in 1944, attended the U of M where she was a member of the Delta Gama Sorority and graduated with teaching degree – teaching 3 ^rd grade at Groveland, Bancroft and Fulton elementary schools in Minneapolis. Mary Ellen loved their Gull Lake cabin and was a family weekend warrior year round before building their dream home in the early 1970’s. She was a city council member of the City of Lakeshore, member of Lutheran Church of the Cross, and owner of the Stony Brook Trading Company in Nisswa, where she was famous for her Jezebel Sauce. To the inspiration of young women on the lake, Mary Ellen swam the Gull Lake swimmer challenge, a 2 mile swim across Gull Lake, when she was 46. She loved cooking and her specialties were authentic Mexican Enchiladas and homemade meatloaf. With a special love for Christmas and collecting Santas, Mary Ellen made flannel PJs each year for the entire family. Jim and Mary Ellen moved back to Minneapolis in the early eighties to spend time with their grandchildren planning special trips, attending games and graduation.

She is survived by sons, Jay (Zana) Johnston, Doug (Sheila) Johnston; grandchildren, Scott (Andrea) Johnston, Pat (Jenna) Johnston; great-grandchildren, Avery, Connor, Quinn, Morgan, Noelle, Shea Johnston and step great-grandchildren, Ian & Erin McFarland.

Mary was preceded in death by parents, George and Garnett Leighton; siblings, Georgie Cline and Betty Myers; and loving husband, W. James (Jim) Johnston, Jr.

She was the foundation of our roots; we celebrate her life and light. Per Mary Ellen’s wishes, a private interment will take place on a warmer date in Nisswa, Minnesota. Memorials may be directed to Courage Center & Minnesota Arboretum.