March 30, 1960 – December 2, 2025
Mary Susan Johnston (nee McAdam)
March 30th, 1960 – December 2nd, 2025
With profound sadness, the family of Mary “Susan “Johnston announces her departure, surrounded by family and professional caregivers, after a quiet but determined 3-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Our Susan grew up in Millidgeville, where she, her siblings, and parents experienced the true meaning of family ties, a close-knit community, and many friendships. Susan often shared stories of her upbringing on Deveber Terrace and her beginnings on Bridge Street. Daughters Kara and Laura fondly remember Susan as their biggest cheerleader and supporter. From cross-country sports adventures, girls’ trips, and daily check-ins, Mama Bear was their everything. Despite Susan’s recent struggles, her evolving role as Nana and mother-in-law was taken very seriously with selfless, steadfast support and love. Although she may not be in plain sight, Nora and Mack will forever have a guardian angel watching over them. Susan will be sadly missed, especially by her sisters Kimberly and Jocelyn. The messages and memories shared with us from Susan’s friends during this time have been heartwarming to say the least. A graduate of the University of New Brunswick and Lakehead University, Sue had a career spanning 37 years as a Registered Social Worker with the New Brunswick Department of Social Development, retiring in the spring of 2025. As with family, Susan took her assignments with child protection, adult protection, and long-term care programs seriously, looking out for her clients and working many, many late nights with little compensation in an ever-changing management system. Most of her career was based in Charlotte County, while living and building a family life in Lake Utopia. Susan leaves to mourn her husband, Marc, of 36 years, daughter Kara Lister (Ryan), grandchildren Nora and Mack, daughter Laura Johnston (Aldin Pezerovic), siblings Kim, Rod, Geoff (Mary), Jocelyn Graham (Chris), and Tim, along with several nieces and nephews. Susan was predeceased by her parents, Eileen and Leo McAdam, and her little sister Kathy.
Too numerous for individual mention, a very sincere thank you to the Extra Mural Program for their home care support through scheduled and other demanding home visits; the oncology unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital, and associated support groups helping us navigate her treatments. Many kept our spirits brighter simply by their demeanor. Thank you to Dr. S. Dube, Dr. S. Gray, Dr. E. Doiron, Dr. H. Ondiveeran, and Dr A-M. MacKinnon. Kara, Laura, and Marc will have a special place in their hearts for the Palliative Care Unit (3BN) under the guidance of Dr. C. Mackin and Dr. A Love, who helped ease Susan through to the next phase of this journey. Your kindness and service will not be forgotten.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brenan’s Funeral Home. Visitation will take place on Thursday December 4th, from 6-8 pm and Friday, December 5th, from 12-2 pm. A celebration of Susan’s life for close friends and family will follow Friday’s visitation at 2:00 pm, led by Father Ken Weir, who joined Susan and Marc in marriage on December 8, 1989.
In memory of Mary Susan Johnston, donations to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation
(sjrhfoundation.ca) would be greatly appreciated.
“YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE, MY ONLY SUNSHINE”
