Mary Ethel Johnston

Mary Ethel Johnston of Warwick, R. I. passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Monday, May 30, 2016. Born in Accrington, England on August 17, 1915, she was the beloved wife of the late Lewis Johnston. She came to America with her mother in 1923 after crossing the Atlantic three times. The first attempt ended with a collision in the Irish Sea forcing her ship to return to England. The second attempt aboard the Berengaria was successful however the immigration quota had been filled and they were sent back to England after a stay on Ellis Island. Finally, on her third attempt to enter the United States she and her mother arrived in New York and immediately set out for Pawtucket where she grew up. She was successful at school, winning several awards including the debating award. However, at sixteen she left school in order to help support her family. After her children were born she had a long career working for Hospital Trust Bank, IBM, and the State of Rhode Island. At IBM she worked on the precursor of the modern computer called “Big Gertie.” In retirement she traveled throughout the world. She is survived by her children, Alan Johnston and his wife Bonnie, Richard Johnston and his wife Joan as well as her Grandchildren Maggie Gottlieb, Jessica Franks, Nicholas Johnston, David Johnston, and her six great grand children. Her funeral with visitation will begin on Friday, at 10:00 am, in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road (Rt. 117) Warwick, followed by a service at 11:00 am, in the funeral home. Interment will be in Saint Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. For directions and online condolences, visit: boyleandsonfuneralhome.com SERVICES Funeral Service Friday, June 03, 201611:00 AM Boyle Funeral Home - Warwick 142 Centerville Road Warwick, Rhode Island 02886