Winooski – Mary Denise (Mary D) Johnston, RN passed away at home on December 16, 2025 surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma. Born June 19, 1953 in Rutland, VT to Walt and Marion (LaFond) LeFrancois. She was the middle sister of three girls, born '52, '53, and '54. Mary and her husband, Rick Johnston, met on a blind date on February 7, 1976. Just twenty-one days later she said "yes" when Rick asked her to marry him, which they commenced on September 11, 1976.

Mary D was courageous, selfless, witty and full of compassion. Her smile and laugh would illuminate any room she was in. She even walked over to St. Francis Xavier School one day to plant flowers, landing her in the local newspaper. Mary D loved her peace and solitude, so she would wake up at 4:00 am every day to complete Sudoku and crossword puzzles before the family stomped down the stairs in the morning to liven up her day. She also had a love for women's basketball and in March of 2025 was able to see her UConn Huskies win another national championship. Mary was a longtime dedicated supporter of Chittenden County Special Olympics, whether it was softball in the summer, snowshoeing in the winter or handing out towels at the Penguin Plunge, she was there to cheer and support Scott and all his teammates.

Mary D grew up in Rutland attending Immaculate Heart of Mary class of 1967 and Mount St. Joseph Academy class of 1971. She went on to St Luke's School of Nursing in Pittsfield, MA graduating as the last nursing class in 1974. She worked at Mary Hitchcock in Dartmouth, NH 1974 - 1976. After Mary and Rick were married, they lived in New Jersey 1976-1979 where she worked at Lincoln Park Nursing and Intermediate Care Center. Upon returning to Vermont in 1979, they resided in Burlington for two years then bought their home in Winooski in 1981, where they raised their four children. She worked at Mary Fletcher (aka UVM Medical Center) from July 1979 to July 2018 working on Smith 4, McClure 6 and at UHC Neurology office. Upon retirement, she devoted time to her plentiful gardens, cooking, canning and baking. Together, Mary D and Rick, lovingly known as Mimi & Buppa, enjoyed every moment they could with their three grandsons, especially in the summers spent by the pool.

Mary D is survived by her husband, Rick, daughter & son-in-law, Michelle & Jeff Harms, three grandsons Aiden, Owen & Wyatt Harms, daughter Stefanie Johnston of Spencer, MA, sons Scott Johnston of Winooski and Matt Johnston of Burlington, VT. Her brother-in-law Gary Helmecke of South Glens Falls, NY, nephews and nieces Eric & Megan Helmecke, Abby and Amelia, Dan & Claire Gilligan, Will and Ella, Christina & Brad Richardson, Bryn, Noah, and Sadie. Sisters/brothers-in-law Karen & Steve Edgerton, Ginger Johnston, and Barbara & Tim Mayer and many nieces/nephews-in-law.

She was predeceased by her parents, sisters Shelly Helmecke and Donna Gilligan, brother-in-law Ronnie Gilligan, niece Julie Gilligan, son-in-law Steven Liu, parents-in-law Red & Jane Johnston and brother-in-law Ken Johnston.

A wake will be held Tuesday, December 30, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at LaVigne Funeral & Cremation Service, 132 Main St, Winooski, Vermont. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Francis Xavier School or Chittenden County Special Olympics Chittenden County Delegation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 11:00AM at St Francis Xavier Church in Winooski. Burial will follow in St Francis Xavier Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow the burial in the Audette Room at St Francis Xavier School.