Obituary of Barbara-J. Johnston

JOHNSTON, Barbara J. 74, of Ann Arbor, MI, died Dec. 1, 2007, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She was born June 16, 1933 in Flint, MI, daughter of James A. Groom and Lucille Groom who preceded her in death. Barb graduated from Flint Central High School in 1951. She moved to East Lansing to become a proud Spartan, where she met and dated her future husband, Gordy, during their freshman year. They were married in Flint, MI, on Sept. 10, 1955, after Gordy returned from his military service. In 1956, Barb graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Following her graduation, she began teaching at Lansing Everett High School. Several years later Barb moved to Ann Arbor where she continued raising her family. Barb worked as a realtor for the Charles Reinhart Company in Ann Arbor, MI, from 1980 to 1996, where she made many friends. She is survived by her husband, Gordon L. Johnston, of Ann Arbor; and their children; Steven (Janice) of St. Petersburg; Susan (Philip) King of Ann Arbor; and Amy Baroni of Broken Arrow, OK. Barb leaves behind 7 grandchildren who adored her; Alex, Scott, Daniel, Sarah, Libby, Risa and Dominie; her brothers, James A. Groom (Bud) of Grand Blanc, MI, and Scott D. Groom of Naples, FL, also survive. Barb was compassionate, energetic and courageous beyond words. She will be missed by her family and many dear friends who knew her. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering from 4-6 pm, followed immediately by a Memorial Service at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI on Dec. 17, 2007. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 1169 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, or the Scleroderma Research Foundation, 220 Montgomery St., Suite 1411, San Francisco, CA, 94104.