Sandra Wallace Johnston

Sandra Wallace Blodgett was born in La Jolla, California on February 26th, 1939. Growing up she spent much of her time doing what she loved -- riding her horse all over San Diego County and being her father’s office assistant at his optometry office. Given her father was also a mounted law enforcement officer, Sandra excelled as a horseman over the years and routinely competed in numerous equestrian events ranging from show to barrel racing. Her love of horses stayed with her for a lifetime. Sandra graduated from San Diego State University in 1961. On May 6, 1961, she married Robert Ballantyne Johnston, a young Scotsman and her college sweetheart.

In 1961, Robert joined the United States Marine Corps and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Sandra lovingly and selflessly supported her husband’s decision – a decision that would see them both serving the Corps and Country for over 35 years. Sandra was the epitome of a Marine Wife. She single-handedly raised two rambunctious boys while her husband served numerous overseas deployments during times of peace and war. As Robert achieved greater rank and responsibility serving his Marines, Sandra followed suit taking on the demanding responsibility of loving and caring for countless Marine wives and families. Throughout their 35 years of service, Sandra loyally and dutifully mastered her role as the Johnston Clan matriarch loving and leading her family through countless duty stations and nearly 20 household moves within and outside the United States.

Following their retirement from the Marine Corps during 1996, she and Robert settled permanently in their beautiful home in East Tucson. Their life together in Tucson mirrored that of their service in the Marines. They became servant leaders within the community. Sandra focused on her love for animals and those less fortunate volunteering with organizations like TROT that provided therapeutic horseback riding for those young and old challenged with disabilities. Sandra also supported numerous animal services organizations as well as organizations serving the homeless and financially challenged. Sandra’s other love was hiking. She was an avid hiker who participated in hundreds of organized hikes across the Country. Sandra’s favorite hikes were right here in her backyard of Tucson having hiked every surrounding peak…multiple times. Her hiking friendships quickly became life-long…

Robert Johnston was a legend in the Marine Corps and Sandra was equally so. They were an incredible team that always placed “service over self”. That teamwork continued with over 30 years of service to the community of Tucson and beyond. Their love for each other was equaled for their love of their two sons, Robert and Gary, and their wives Alaina and Melissa. They were blessed with three incredible grandchildren Cameron, Morgan Ann, and Ian and two beautiful great grandchildren Jackson and Bonnie Ann. Throughout 62 years of marriage, the Johnston Clan never went without and together overcame the trials and tribulations often associated with military life. Sandra Johnston was the heart of the Clan and will be forever irreplaceable.