Kathryn Pauline Johnston

JOHNSTON, Kathryn Pauline (Solberg), 85 born in Mobile, Alabama on January 14, 1931, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 15, 2016 after a valiant battle with cancer that had been recently diagnosed. She was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Pauline (Brady) Solberg, her husband, William N. Johnston and her brother, Herbert Solberg.

She graduated from Visitation High school in Mobile, went on to earn her BA from Ursuline College, New Orleans, Louisiana and married the love of her life, William (Bill) Johnston, in 1951 in Mobile, Alabama. She raised her four children while traveling the world to where Bill’s job with the American Bureau of Shipping led them, making friends wherever she went. To know her was to love her. After Bill’s death in 1989, she moved back to her hometown, Mobile, to be near family and friends. She lived her life radiating love, grace, and passion, and filled her days with her favorite things- exercising, playing cards, chess, learning Tai Chi, and reading.

Kathryn is survived by her four children, Kathryn (Jay) Bass, William (Loraine) Johnston, Stephen Gregory (Elizabeth) Johnston and Paul (Marsha) Johnston; her eight grandchildren, Chad (Leslie) Johnston, Lauren Johnston, Michael (Rina) Bass, David Bass, Katie (Doug) O’Brien, Andy Bass, Megan Johnston and Sarah Johnston, and four great-grandchildren, Miles Johnston, McKinley Johnston, Rebecca Bass and Jacob Bass, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her family and her friends, she was a devoted member of St. Pius X and the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life and will continue to serve as an inspiration to us all. We will miss her strength, compassion, laughter, and kindness, always.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Mobile Infirmary, the Kindred Hospice Team and everyone who made her final days peaceful and comfortable.

A visitation will be held at Ascension Funeral Home on Friday, January 22, 2016 from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 9:30 A.M. at St Pius X Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St Pius X School, 217 S. Sage Avenue, Mobile, AL 36606 to assist with student needs. Arrangements by Ascension Funerals & Cremations, 1016 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, Alabama 36695.