Elaine E. Johnston "Meme"

June 16, 1942 - January 28, 2020

Born in Cleveland, OH, to the late Andrew and Estelle Chervany on June 16, 1942, Elaine grew up on Cleveland’s E45th St. with a deep desire to be a nurse. She attended St. Peter’s High School, then went on to Marymount School for Practical Nursing for her LVN, and then on to St. Vincent Charity Hospital and St. John’s College where she received her RN. Elaine then joined the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps and served at Vandenberg AFB, CA, in the ICU. It was there in CA where she met and married her beloved husband of 51 years, Ret. AF Lt. Col Terry L. Johnston. Together, the two raised four children she dearly, dearly loved.

Elaine toured Europe with Terry, as he served two consecutive tours there, and some of her favorite spots were Paris, Austria, England, Holland, and many parts of Germany. After Europe, Elaine and family moved to Alexandria, VA and then on to San Antonio, TX. Elaine, done with her military service and discharged honorably, began work at Methodist Hospital’s ICU in 1982, where her patients and those she worked alongside became dear friends during her 16 year career there. After 32 years as a nurse and receiving awards for outstanding conduct and achievement and the Margaret Garger Award, Elaine retired to spend more time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Nursing was such a part of Elaine’s life that she requested her beloved nursing cap be buried with her. Besides motherhood and being an amazing Me-Me to her eleven grandchildren, Elaine considered nursing for the USAF to be one her life’s greatest accomplishments.

In 1984, Elaine was diagnosed with Secondary Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Even though the routine of life was different due to symptoms, Elaine was able to be there for the birth of grandchildren, at her children and grandchildren’s sporting events and celebrations, and always, always took time to give her time and love away to anyone in need. In fact, some friends would tease her and call her “Saint Elaine”. Elaine had a huge and kind and caring heart, a smile that would light up the room, a laugh that was infectious, a child-like quality that was endearing, and a love for others rarely seen in today’s world. The people she loved sharing her love with most were her grandchildren, whom she held dearly close to her heart.

After her health declined due to the MS, Elaine passed peacefully while holding her husband’s hand as he told her he loved her. Friends and her daughter Kelley were near. As a strong Christian and Catholic, Elaine has always loved Jesus and now gets to be in His arms. Elaine now celebrates the love and peace of heaven with her parents and many friends.

Elaine is survived by her husband Terry of San Antonio, son Terry M. Johnston (wife Kori and grandchildren Makenna, Bridger, Hunter, Sawyer, Britton, and Asher) of Fredericksburg, VA, Kelley E. Brodbeck (husband Dyron and grandchildren Jacob and Rebekah) of San Antonio, Andrew T. Johnston (grandchildren Leia, Grace, and Hope) of Cotati, CA, and Colleen R. Johnston (wife Juliet Baker) of Portland, OR.

Services to celebrate Elaine’s life include:

Tuesday, February 4:

Sunset Northwest Funeral Home (6321 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX., 78238)

- 4:30-6:30 pm: Viewing and visitation

- 6:30-7:15 pm: Celebration of life with time dedicated to celebrate Elaine with stories the family would love to hear

- 7:15-8 pm: Rosary

Wednesday, February 5:

Prince of Peace Catholic Church (7893 Grissom Rd, San Antonio, TX., 78251)

- 9-9:50 am: Viewing

- 10:00 am: Mass

Sunset Northwest Funeral Home (6321 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX., 78238)

- 11:15-1:00: Reception

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery - Shelter 5

- 1:45-2:15: Internment

Whether you can or cannot attend any or all of these services, the family asks that you wear something yellow to honor Elaine, as it was her favorite color.

Website: www.PrinceOfPeaceCatholic.org

Website: www.SunsetNwFuneralHome.com

Please leave a story of Elaine for the family at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-antonio-tx/elaine-johnston-9017760