Cynthia D. Johnston

Cynthia Dean Johnston, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, entered into her eternal home on October 12, 2016. Cynthia was born on November 10, 1924, in Flushing, Queens, New York to Sheldon and Gladys Dean.

She graduated from Oberlin College with a B.A. in Psychology and from Teachers College Columbia University with an M.A. in Vocational Counseling. She began her career as an instructor at Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont, and continued as a vocational counselor in St. Louis, Missouri.

It was in St. Louis that she met her future husband, Ralph. Ralph and Cynthia were married on September 1, 1956, in Flushing, New York. From St. Louis, they moved to Dayton, Ohio, where Diana and Ralph III were born. In 1965, they moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where son Dean was born. It was during this time that they hosted three international exchange students: Dodie, Benz, and Peter, who became part of the family. Ralph and Cynthia moved to Lansing where they became involved in programs to assist international university students. They also continued to participate in church activities and weekly square dancing. They recently moved to The Village of Heather Hills in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Having a life-long love of learning, Cynthia and Ralph participated in thirty Elderhostel programs, traveling the world and learning about culture and history. Cynthia’s family and friends will always remember her willingness to listen and build deep and lasting relationships.

Cynthia is survived by Ralph, her husband of 60 years, daughter Diana (Patrick) Moore of Wayland, Michigan; son Ralph (Ruth) Johnston of Valparaiso, Indiana; son Dean (Wendy) Johnston of Westerville, Ohio; brother Sheldon (Linda) Dean of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Joshua, Daniel, Michael, Elizabeth and LeiAnna Moore; Evan and Zachary Johnston; Hartlee, Sam, and Jenna Johnston. Cynthia was preceded in death by parents Sheldon and Gladys Dean and her brother Donald Dean.

Please join with Cynthia’s family at a Memorial Service Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church Lansing, 510 West Ottawa Street, Lansing, MI 48933. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to provide scholarships to international students with financial needs. Checks should be made to: MSU Park/CVIP Scholarship Endowment NX081238, International Center, 427 N. Shaw Lane Room 105, East Lansing, MI 48824 or Contribution may also be made to: First Presbyterian Church Lansing, 510 West Ottawa Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Cynthia will forever live on in our hearts and in our memories.