Kathleen Patricia Johnston

Kathleen “Kitty” Patricia Johnston passed away on November 19, 2015. Kitty was born March 12, 1925, in Castlecomer, Ireland. Kitty had an amazing life. In her early 20’s she joined the American Red Cross so that she could contribute to the Allied effort in WW II. While stationed in Paris, she met Staff Sergeant Louis Johnston, who was serving in the US Army Air Corps. Louis and Kitty fell in love, and on January 28th, 1948 they were married in Berchtesgaden, Germany at St. Bartholomew’s Church. That summer, the newlyweds landed at Love Field, Dallas, Texas in the middle of a Texas heat wave; as Kitty fondly recalled the story, “I wilted.”

In 1956 Kitty and Louis settled in Dallas after Louis graduated from UT Southwestern Medical School. Louis lovingly referred to Kitty as his “Irish Rose.” They raised 5 sons: Richard, Kevin, Stephen, Brian and Murphy. In addition, Desmond Early, from Ireland, and Sebastian Larreta, from Argentina, were both considered one of the “Johnston boys.” Kitty and Louis opened their home to them, loving them as if they were their own children. There were many years where Kitty was caring for seven challenging, young, adult males, in addition to their classmates and childhood friends.

Kitty was everything Irish. She brought joy to those around her. She was a mom to many, and always there for many more. She had a fantastic memory, a love of life, and always had a positive outlook. Kitty will be best remembered for her kind words and thoughtfulness to others. She was her happiest when those around her had good fortune. Even in her last weeks Kitty was more concerned with how others were doing. Kitty, who rarely asked for anything, had only two requests in her final days. True to her Irish heritage she wanted it noted that she was born in Ireland, and secondly, that Father Peter say her funeral mass.

Kitty is preceded in death by her brother William Murphy, and Louis, her husband of 63 years. She is survived by her 5 sons, 12 grandchildren and 5 great – grandchildren.

A memorial mass celebrating this remarkable women’s life will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, December 12,th at the Cistercian Abbey Chapel. Father Abbot Peter will preside.

Another of the Greatest Generation has left us.

God bless you mom.

The Johnston family requests that any memorials be made to the Cistercian Abbey.

Another of the Greatest Generation has left us.

God bless you mom.