Ann Johnston

Our family is deeply saddened to inform you of the death of our mother, Ann Bauman Johnston at her Bellevue home on March 19, 2025.

Mom was thinking of all her friends and family until the very end of her life, and she wanted you to know that! This was to be included in her “Christmas Card” that she hadn’t sent yet.

“I had a sudden shock this last month (Feb 14) after a fall at home. I was helping Chuck when he lost his balance and toppled on me, knocking us both to the floor. Then Corliss came to check on us and tripped over both of us. I felt okay after the fall, we were all able to get ourselves up, and the day continued. However, after a day or so, I went to the ER as I wanted to make sure that I hadn’t broken a bone. At the ER, the doctor decided to order a full body CT scan to make sure that I hadn’t punctured a lung or broken a bone. That scan showed fluid in my lung and was followed by a biopsy of lymph nodes. I was admitted to the hospital where a lot of tests were performed, and I was weaker than before I entered. On the doctor’s recommendation, I went to a rehab facility to get stronger. Unfortunately, my lung filled with fluid again and I re-entered the hospital. All those tests done previously were now ready, and it turned out that I had Hodgkins Lymphoma. I guess I have had it a long time and no one realized it. Anyway, that turned my whole life upside down. I have returned home with my children helping and am set up in the TV room which is working out well.

And here I am, four weeks later, so this is why you have not heard from me. Everything happened so fast! I can’t believe I was feeling fine one minute and the next minute I have cancer!

So hopefully I will get better with whatever they can do to stop the cancer and maybe I’ll be around a little bit longer to see you all or at least to hear from you through cards. I love you all and I’m missing everyone.

I can’t do a darn thing about the diagnosis but know that I love you. We have had a wonderful life together - family and friends, lots of wonderful, wonderful memories. I am hopefully going to be around a little longer. I love you all. Have a wonderful new year!”

Ann

Her Funeral mass will be Saturday, April 26 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Church, Bellevue, WA. We have enclosed an obituary for your information.

Very Sincerely,

Chuck Johnston and the Bauman Family

Ann Cuthbert Bauman Johnston passed away March 19 after having a wonderful and full life spanning almost 97 years. She was born in 1928 in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Elva and Fred Cuthbert, joining her brother, Peter. The family moved to Corvallis, OR, where her sister, Priscilla was born shortly after. Ann graduated from Grant High School in Portland, OR and the University of Oregon. She met handsome Bill Bauman at a party and came home saying “He’s the man I am going to marry!” and they were married in 1950. While raising 5 children (Corliss, Bernie, Jeff, Jim and Kristin) they lived in Washington, Oregon and California as Bill advanced his career at Parke-Davis, returning to Bellevue in 1962.

She was an active mom, serving as a Cub Scout Leader and Girl Scout Leader for a large troop. Ann volunteered enthusiastically at Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was an active leader of the seniors’ group, social action committee, Parish Council, Chore Service, Guild and more. In her spare time, she volunteered for 40 years as the Eastside Coordinator for Friend to Friend America, a nursing/retirement home visitation program.

As a couple, they loved to play golf, bridge, travel and support their children’s interests. After Bill died in 1978, she continued to travel with daughter Corliss and continued all her volunteer work. In 1989 Ann married longtime family friend, Charles Johnston. She and Chuck shared a history of common friends, the University of Oregon and Parke-Davis. They shared 36 years of expanded family, travel, golf, gardening, spending time at Oceanside, CA and the family lake house with boat rides to keep up on the changes around the lake. She never wanted to live life quietly – she wanted to live life to the fullest and she cherished every memory! Ann always had her “face on” (red lipstick and mascara) and her hair done once a week. Spring, summer and fall she could be found in her garden, weeding and pruning until dark.

She is survived by her husband Chuck, daughters Corliss and Kristin (Don), sons Bernie (LouAnn), Jeff (Kerry) and Jim and stepsons, Chuck Jr. (Kevin), Brad (Niki) and Lee (Joyce). She and Chuck shared 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will be April 26 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bellevue at 10:30 am. Remembrances to Friend to Friend America or St. Francis House Seattle.