Mary T. Johnston, 78, a lifelong resident of the Town of Beekman, died peacefully at her son's home on Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

Born on October 18, 1931 in the Town of Beekman, she was the daughter of William J. and Eleanor M. Weaver DeForest.  She was employed as a Registered Nurse at the former Central Dutchess Nursing Home in Wappingers Falls until her retirement in 1994. Mary was a devoted parishioner of St. Denis Church in Hopewell Junction where she was involved with the Hearts and Hands Program.  She loved volunteering and was always willing to help in any way possible.

On July 11, 1953 at St. Denis Church, Mary married Robert Johnston who survives at home. She is also survived by eight children, Mary Elizabeth Fox and her husband John of Fort Ann, Robert Johnston Jr. and his wife Wendy of Pleasant Valley, Thomas Edward Johnston and his wife GiGi of Beekman, Jeanmarie Savoury and her husband Keith of Stanfordville, Sean Curtis Johnston and his wife Jill of Poughquag, Margaret Theresa Eldred and her husband Dean of Indiana, Susan Jane Ferraioli of Lakeland, FL and Damian Peter Johnston and his wife Stephanie of Coxsackie; her brother, John Peter DeForest; her sisters, Katherine Miller, Margaret Farmer, Jane Whitman, Sue Ellen DeForest and Frances Antil; 16 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  Mary was predeceased by her son, William Oscar Johnston in 1956; her son-in-law, Anthony Ferraioli; her brothers, William DeForest Jr. and James Curtis DeForest; and her sisters, Eleanor Ferland and Julia Kinkle.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction.  Burial will follow in St. Denis Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Denis Church, PO Box 10, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533.