Kathy graduated from Redford High School in 1964. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alma College in 1968. She married James Johnston on September 13, 1969 in Detroit. She graduated with a Master of Arts from Michigan State University in 1971.
Kathy worked in the Detroit Public Schools as a reading specialist before moving to Alma where she worked as a teacher and principal of Republic School. She took great pride in teaching the Adult Basic Education program students how to read. Kathy was an avid reader, herself, and loved spending time with her book club friends. One of her greatest joys was reading books with her grandchildren. She was a very active community volunteer and was a member of the Alma Highland Festival board of directors and the Gratiot County Reading Program. She enjoyed volunteering as the librarian at St. Mary’s School.
Kathy was known for spending her summers at the cottage in Kincardine, Ontario and loved spending time with her extended Bruce Beach family.
Kathy is survived by her daughter, Susan, son-in-law Steve and their children, Heather and Ryan Olson of Chicago; sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Terry Felton of Mercer Island, WA; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, John and Micky Johnston of Alma; Ann Johnston of Arlington, TX; Laura and Greg Clark of Alma; Mark and Mary Johnston of Lansing; Mike Johnston and Jean Schultz of Rochester, MN; and Dave and Sally Johnston of Alma; and her many, much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; sons, Chris and Scott; her parents, Charles and Marion Goodenow; brother John Goodenow; and father- and mother-in-law, Sam and Betty Johnston. A memorial service will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Goodenow Endowed Scholarship Fund, which was created to honor Kathy's parents, Marion and Charles Goodenow.
If you'd like, gifts can be directed to that fund online at https://www.alma.edu/giving/make-a-gift/online-giving/ with the designation selected as "Other" and "Goodenow Endowed Scholarship" included in the notes section.
Or, gifts can be sent directly to the college: Alma College Advancement 614 West Superior Street Alma, MI 48801
Memorial gifts can also be made to St. Mary's School, where Kathy volunteered as the school librarian.
If you'd like gifts, can be sent to the school: Nativity of the Lord/St. Mary's School 220 W. Downie St., Alma, MI 48801
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