Obituaries

Marjorie Lee Johnston, age 83, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Ball Hospice House of the EUP in Sault Ste. Marie. She was surrounded by family. She was born February 6, 1940, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI to Percy and Eleanor Sheppard (Smart).

Marjorie grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Sault Area High School. She began working in a doctor’s office for a year, before she attended college at Davenport University and graduated with an associate degree in 1962. After graduating, Marjorie moved back to Sault Ste. Marie, where she met William “Bill” while Slashin’ Ashmun and they married on November 2, 1963, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Sault Ste. Marie, and started their family. Marjorie worked at Sault Savings Bank for a few years before she began working in the office of Petrolane (now AmeriGas), where she retired from in 1996. Bill and Marjorie enjoyed traveling during their retirement and wintered in Florida for fourteen years making many friends along the way.

Marjorie enjoyed spending time working in the yard and gardening. She also enjoyed knitting, sewing, puzzles, playing cards, and playing the piano. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Marjorie is survived by her children, Robert “Bob” (Karen) Johnston of Sault Ste. Marie, and Noel (Frank) Pingatore of Sault Ste. Marie; sisters, Sara Jones of Sault Ste. Marie, and Susan (Bob) Hovie of Sault Ste. Marie; sister-in-law, Sharon Sheppard of Sault Ste. Marie; sister-in-law, Irene Smart of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Kimberley (Nick Pavloski) Pingatore, Francis “Frank” (Britney) Pingatore, Joe Pingatore, Nicholas “Nick” Johnston, Triton Johnston; and great grandchild, Archer Pingatore.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill Johnston; brother, Lorne Sheppard; brother-in-law, Larry Smart; and brother-in-law, Burton Jones.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 11:00am until 1:00pm at First United Presbyterian Church, 555 Bingham Ave. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, until the time of the funeral service at 1:00pm with Pastor Mark Gabbard officiating.

The final resting place is Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations be made to the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.