Frances H Johnston Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Frances H. Johnston (1913-2014) Pearl Harbor Survivor Passes on Pearl Harbor Day 2014Fran loved to dance and was always up for an adventure, or learning something new. Born and raised on the East Coast (Boston/Brookline and Philadelphia), Fran was one of the last remaining Pearl Harbor survivors. A proud Navy wife, she lived with her family on the Navy base over looking the harbor, and witnessed the attack. She joined her husband in Honolulu on November 7th, 1941 with infant son and twin daughters. She saw it all- many stories to tell. She often said she loved animals more than people. Recognized for over 50 years of volunteering at Animal Shelters, Veterans Hospitals, military chapels, and for the American Red Cross. She was active in local politics, was a local community TV celebrity introducing adoptable dogs and cats every week, and organizing community parades, in Seal Beach, California. She inspired many with her fighting spirit and sense of humor. She passed peacefully at 101.5 years old, on December 7 (Pearl Harbor Day), 2014, with her partner for 35 years Mike Vinson and granddaughter Carrie Johnston present. Florida and California memorials are being planned for family and friends. SECRET(S) TO LONGEVITY: Bacon, her favorite food, and dancing.OTHER INTERESTING FACTS/STORIES: When the kids left home and her husband Lt. Com. Major L. Johnston retired in Seal Beach, California in 1958, she took on many new responsibilities, including serving as President of the Orange County Republican Women's Organization, and continued actively supporting the organization for over 25 years. She also volunteered as a nurse's assistant for 20 years at the Long Beach Naval Hospital, until it closed. Fran took her sense of style and distinguished character and worked part time at Buffums and the Broadway in the furs and lingerie departments. After retirement, she was honored as Red Cross Volunteer of the year for her years of service during Orange County California's efforts to support and place Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees. Loved the beach, Disney Parks, swing and country western dancing, driving around seeing the country, baseball, miniature golf, all animals (especially dogs and primates), and Knott's Berry Farm Boysenberry preserves. For many years, Fran and her companion Mike joined friends regularly at Disneyland to dance to the Big Bands performing. She had a Gibson girl figure, with a very narrow waist well into her 70's. She lived and travelled all over the USA and managed to hold on to her silver baby spoon throughout it all. Learned to drive a Ford when she was teenager, and proudly only owned Fords. She is survived by her three children, Barbara Kelly, Lilly Kelly and Chuck Johnston, and as the matriarch of 5 generations, has a few great-great-great-grandchildren and couldn't keep track of them all. After being a resident of Seal Beach, California for 55 years, she moved to Clearwater Florida in 2008 to be closer to family there. Fran had a clever and feisty sense of humor and great wit. Asked about her 100th Birthday last year: " Maybe I will live to be 200, who knows!", and then was asked "Do you want to live to be 200?" Answer: " Not really," followed by laughter.

Frances H Johnston

June 8, 1913 - December 7, 2014