Charlotte Faulkner Johnston

Charlotte Faulkner Johnston, of Newtown Square, PA, formerly of Paoli, PA, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, at the age of 101.

Born in Collingswood, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Claude and Charlotte (née McKenzie) Faulkner.

As a distinguished ballerina with the Littlefield Ballet Company, now known as the Philadelphia Ballet, Charlotte captivated audiences with her grace and talent. Her commitment to her craft inspired many. Sadly, her formal dancing career came to an end when her mother developed a terminal illness and Charlotte left ballet to care for her mother and her father, Claude. This lifelong spirit of unconditional selflessness and love and caring for others - grounded in her deep Catholic faith - was a beautiful legacy Charlotte left to her family. Following her illustrious dance career, she served diligently as an Executive Secretary, and later assisted patients in a nutritional clinic, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her professional endeavors.

In 1951, Charlotte married the late Alfred J. Johnston, Jr., and a beautiful love affair of more than six decades followed. The family moved more than a dozen times as Al’s career with Sunoco advanced to senior management roles and Charlotte managed to make every move seamless and every house a home.

In addition to her impressive career, Charlotte cherished the moments spent at their summer home on Fripp Island, South Carolina, and the time enjoyed in Ocean City, New Jersey. These locations were not just places to retreat but were imbued with family memories that she treasured deeply.

Charlotte's interests extended to several other areas. She was an avid needlepointer, enjoying the intricate craft that allowed her to express her creativity. In addition, she and Al were devoted members of Waynesborough Country Club, where they enjoyed countless rounds of golf and the camaraderie of dear friends and family. A love for reading also nourished her mind and spirit throughout her life, allowing her to explore worlds beyond her own. As Charlotte’s mobility declined, she began to read more and more – and watched little television. In her last several years, Charlotte read nearly one hundred books per year.

Charlotte and Al were long-time parishioners at St. Norbert’s Parish in Paoli, Pa. and they loved taking long, peaceful walks at nearby Daylesford Abbey, and also loved attending Mass in the small, intimate Abbey Chapel. As noted above, Charlotte was the beloved and devoted wife of sixty-two years to the late Alfred J. Johnston, Jr.; the loving mother of Alfred James Johnston, III (Gloria), the late Mary Elizabeth Reijer (Lars), and William Robert Johnston (Jude). She is also survived by her 8 cherished grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Charlotte is predeceased by her beloved daughter, Mary Elizabeth Reijer, and her sisters, Grace Gardner and Barbara Sides.

A Funeral Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova and Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery will be held privately on December 31, 2025.

Contributions in Charlotte’s memory would be appreciated to: The Bethesda Project. https://www.bethesdaproject.org/.