Dr. Marion N. Johnston

Dr. Marion N. Johnston, age 96, of Carlisle, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2017 at Chapel Point at Carlisle.
Dr. Marion was born in Michigan on September 30, 1920, as the eldest child of Glenn C. Northup (MI) and Irma Chiroux (Paris, France). She grew up in Lisbon, Ohio and dreamed of becoming a medical missionary pediatrician. She accomplished her dream, becoming a pediatrician in an era when few women did so. She embodied steady determination, never questioning a woman’s ability to prosper in what was a man’s vocation, while also having passion for and commitment to her family -- including five children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Marion attended Maryville College, graduating from Ohio State University, graduating from the Women’s Medical College of PA in 1947. She met James R. Johnston, III, while both were interns. She heard him whistling in the halls of West Penn Hospital at three o’clock in the morning and immediately was interested. She married the love of her life on June 18, 1949. Their marriage was rooted in a joy of purpose and a desire to serve the community. They served in the army at Fort Dix NJ Hospital, and then settled in Sewickley, PA where they both had private practices. They moved their family to Carlisle, PA in 1965. Joyfully balancing her large family and career, she continued in private practice from 66-74 and then worked for decades at the outpatient pediatric clinic at Dunham US Army War College. Over the years, Marion volunteered at baby clinics, caring for children who had no other access to health care. Throughout her long and vibrant life, she was dedicated to the Presbyterian Church. In Carlisle, she found a home at the Second Presbyterian Church. Marion never wanted to miss a Sunday service and served the church in many leadership and volunteer capacities such as Elder, Deacon, Stephen Minister, Sunday School teacher, etc. Her compassion for the vulnerable galvanized her volunteer activities - locally and internationally. She traveled with Jim as medical volunteers to Guatemala, Cameroon and India. She also tended to those closer to home, serving on the board of Steven’s Center, and a warm and caring friend to many. The community recognized Marion’s contributions with many awards, including the Carlisle Area’s Finest, the Exchange Club Molly Pitcher Award, and the YWCA Ruth K. and Nancy J. George Award. Her family is truly inspired by her unwavering sense of duty to make the world more peaceful and just.
She approached her many roles - pediatrician, wife, mom, grandmother, friend and citizen of the world - with curiosity and kindness. Every conversation with her included deep questions about life and current events. Marion and Jim traveled to all 50 states and took fantastic trips around the world with family and friends. She quenched her voracious appetite for knowledge and intellectual pursuits with books, reading the news and conversation -participating in at least two book clubs, Fortnightly Club, an investment club, and bridge clubs.
She had an amazing gift of hospitality, always welcoming guests to her home. She also loved the simple pleasures of life such as cooking, outdoor dining, watching birds, playing tennis and a baby's laugh. From her mother, Marion learned gardening and became an accomplished seamstress. She lived her life providing a role model of how to be kind to others and find joy in each day.
Marion is survived by her five children: Jennifer Johnston McKenna (Kevin McKenna), Gail Viscome (Nick Viscome), Ann Johnston, David Johnston and Lucy Johnston-Walsh (Bill Johnston-Walsh); her niece Karen Bush of WA; two nephews, Cole Northup of WI and Craig Northup of OH; her 11 grandchildren, Sarah Rose Creedon (and Reid Creedon), Laura Ann Keefer (and Josh Keefer), Julia & Curt Viscome, John & Katy Cummings, Martin & Emily Sasso, Reilly, Drew & Aidan Johnston-Walsh; and one great grandson, Ezekiel (Zeke) James Creedon. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Russell Northup, her husband, James R. Johnston III and her son-in-law, Paul Cummings.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, June 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 528 Garland Drive, Carlisle with Rev. Dr. Jeffrey W Gibelius and Rev. Dr. James Gilchrist presiding. To honor Marion’s passion for children and books, all memorial contributions can be made to the Second Presbyterian Church. The funds will be directed to Letort Elementary School’s reading initiatives, where Marion had volunteered for several years.
Arrangements are being handle by Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA. To sign the guestbook, please visit www.HoffmanfH.com