Mary Jane Johnston

Mary Jane Johnston, 77, of Sparta, New Jersey passed away on May 28, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She demonstrated true courage and strength, fearlessly battling the progression of multiple sclerosis for over 40 years and cancer in her last few months. Mary Jane was born in Detroit, Michigan, but lived in many places during her life as a mother including Michigan, England, Pennsylvania and Maine before resettling in Sparta. She loved being a mother and grandmother most of all and will be missed by many. Mary Jane is survived by her beloved husband of almost 55 years, Richard W. Johnston. She is the beloved mother of Dennis Johnston and his wife Jennifer; Patrick Johnston and his wife Denise; Mara Wiggin and her husband Kevin; Bradley Johnston; Michael Johnston and his wife Gretchen; and Heather Hoff and her husband John. Mary Jane is the loving grandmother of: Dylan, Jacob, Hadley, Grace, Jeremiah, Lylah, Wesley, Carter, Shane, Margaret, Elizabeth, John and William. She is also survived by her sisters: Julie Husak and Kathy Tarnarcki, and her brothers: Michael and David Husak; and also many nieces and nephews.

Mary Jane will especially be remembered for the hours it took her to order a meal followed by hours to eat it, her love of cheesecake, her love of shopping (and returning…..), her endless supply of hallmark cards personalized for specific occasions and people, Christmas morning’s flying objects, her close relationship with local fire departments, and her hearty and frequent call for her husband. She never missed one of her kids sports games and spent years and hours cheering them on without any understanding of the actual game. Gramma had an infectious laugh that her grandchildren especially loved.

Her impact on her family was enormous and we are forever grateful for her love. We know wherever she is, she is dancing, singing, and laughing.

Friends may call Friday, May 31st, 2019 from 6-9 pm at the Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St, Sparta, NJ 07871. A funeral mass will be held at 10 am Saturday, June 1, 2019 at St. Kateri Church, 427 Stanhope Road, Sparta, NJ 07871. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory to Mary Jane to: the MS Society online at or by mail to National MS Society 1300 Morris Park Ave, The Bronx, NY 10461