Margery Louise Johnston

Margery Louise Johnston

March 1, 1934- March 6, 2022

Margery Louise Johnston, 88, passed away at her Novi home in the early hours of Sunday March 6, 2022, following her battle with breast cancer.

She was surrounded by family and lovingly cared for until her last breath.

Margie was born March 1, 1934, in Buffalo, New York as the third child of Henry and Julia Helfrich. She graduated from Bennett High School and attended the University of New Hampshire graduating in 1955 with her degree in Occupational Therapy. Marge was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. It was at UNH that she met and married the love of her life, William Johnston on June 11, 1955. Marge worked as an OT at Mass General in the Polio/Iron Lung ward.  Shortly after, she and Bill began their lifetime of travel together with Bill’s service in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg. Federal Land Bank moved them to Springfield, Massachusetts and ultimately Ford Motor Company led them to Detroit. Bill’s Ford career also including living in Belgium, England, and Brazil. Throughout the moves, Marge seamlessly kept her family together. Family dinners, holidays and get togethers were her superpower. All were welcomed! Her love for her children, grandchildren and ‘the greats” is unparalleled. Marge was a woman of amazing faith and grace. She was very active in her church, sang in choir, played handbells and was in the quilting group. She was always willing to lend a hand to any project.  She loved to play tennis and golf which she enjoyed at Edgewood Country Club, BAC and Kensington Country Club in Naples, Florida. Marge was always keeping her mind fresh with crosswords, Sudoku, Words Finds, Mahjong, Bunko, and Bridge. She loved jigsaw puzzles, dominoes and even learned Cards Against Humanity with the grandkids! Her desire to better herself, learn and serve was evident in becoming a Master Gardener in her 70s. Margie bloomed wherever she was planted, never met a stranger, and would leave you feeling loved whether you had met her once or known her your whole life.

Margie is survived by her husband Bill Johnston, sons Bill (Stacey) Johnston, Jeff (Karen) Johnston and daughter Jill Burress, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. And many beloved extended family and dear friends. She is predeceased by her parents Henry (Julia) Helfrich, her sister Jane(Stuart)Hunt and brother Robert (Isabel) Helfrich.

April 8, 2022 4-8pm Visitation will be held at Thayer Rock Funeral Home Farmington, MI

April 9, 2022 11am Memorial Service at Farmington First United Methodist Church(streaming available here the day of service)

Memorial Donations to

Farmington First United Methodist Church
St Jude Children Hospital
Heart to Heart Hospice