Shirley Johnston

Obituary of Shirley Dawn Johnston

Shirley Dawn (Kerwin) Johnston Born in Boise ID, Shirley was the first child of Phillip & Edith Kerwin, arriving on December 22, 1929, at St. Alphonsus Hospital. Shirley, her parents and her sister Mary Jo (Lang), lived within walking distance of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Boise, where they attended mass, and was also the location of her marriage to William J. Johnston on April 10, 1950. Shirley grew up in Boise. Her formal education was at St.Teresa’s Academy, graduating in 1947. She went on to attend Boise Junior College, graduating in 1949, where Shirley received accreditation in secretarial studies. It was at BJC in a choir class that she saw Bill and inquired about him to her female classmates. Soon they were dating and sharing time with other young couples. Bill and Shirley had a lot of shared interests, most of which were music, art and history. Bill and Shirley lived their lives in the Pacific Northwest, moving frequently as Bill taught school in various locations. Their last residence was Midvale ID, where they had lived once before during the early 1960’s. Eight children were born to them, consisting of four sons and four daughters. Washington State University in Pullman WA, holds the best memories of Shirley’s employment, where she worked for nine years at the Holland Library. While residing in Midvale, Shirley was a member of the Lion’s International Club, and the Upper Country Singers touring group, as well as the Ladies Garden Club. She enjoyed playing piano, reading true stories, completing crossword puzzles, out-fishing Bill, corresponding with family and friends, discussing politics and the news, tending her garden and never missing Jeopardy! After Bill’s death in 2006, Shirley remained in her Midvale home for another 5 years, then moved to Cambridge ID, to Salubria Center Assisted Living. After that, she resided at the Kindred Nursing & Rehab. Center, now Weiser Care of Cascadia. Compassionate care was administered at both facilities! Shirley died peacefully on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at Weiser Care of Cascadia in Weiser ID. Services will be at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cambridge ID, on Monday, October 8, at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Tom Keller will officiate. Burial to follow at the Midvale ID, Eastside Cemetery. Fellowship in Midvale with meal provided by the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. A special thanks to Nina Hawkins for her librarian heart of gold, in supplying Mom with books! Arrangements under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home.
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