Ronnee Beth (Desmond) Johnston
JOHNSTON, Ronnee (Desmond), 62, Glenburn, July 27, 2016. Funeral services were held July 31 at the Funeral Home. Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls.
GLENBURN — Ronnee Beth (Desmond) Johnston, 62, passed away peacefully July 27, 2016 at home in Glenburn after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born November 15, 1953 in Island Falls, the daughter of Jerry R. and Mabel (Lenentine) Desmond, Sr.
Ronnee grew up in Mapleton and graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1972. She earned a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Maine, Presque Isle and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Maine, Orono. Upon high school graduation Ronnee toured Europe with the All-USA Chorus. After two years in Teacher Corps, she taught elementary school in Millinocket, Medway, and East Millinocket. She became an assistant principal in Medway and later, principal of Opal Myrick Elementary School in East Millinocket. She retired in 2009 with more than 31 years in education. She dedicated her life to doing what is best for children and supporting the work educators do. Ronnee enjoyed spending time with her family. She was an adoring “Nana” to her four special grandchildren. One of her final wishes was to take them all to Disney World which she got to do this summer.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Danny Johnston; two children, Erin York and her husband Vaughn, and Seth Johnston and his wife Alisha; four lovely grandchildren, Olivia, Lane, Madelyn, and Drew; her mother Mabel Desmond; her mother-in-law Evelyn Johnston; her sister Jennifer York; her brothers Jerry Desmond, Jr. and Jed Desmond and wife Cheryl; and many very special friends. She was predeceased by her father Jerry R. Desmond, Sr. and her father-in-law Clyde C. Johnston.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful people who work at Cancer Care of Maine, Hospice of Eastern Maine, and especially Dr. Garrett for many years of heartfelt care.
Family and friends visited at noon – 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 31 at Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls where funeral services were held 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Ben Greene officiating. Interment was held at the Oakfield Cemetery. A luncheon followed at United Baptist Church, Island Falls. Those who wish may donate in Ronnee’s name to Cancer Care of Maine, c/o EMHS Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, Maine 04401 or Hospice of Eastern Maine, 885 Union Street, Suite 220, Bangor, Maine 04401. For an online memory book and to leave condolences please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.
