JoAnn M. Johnston

FITCHBURG: JoAnn Mary Johnston, 69, of Fitchburg, formerly of Shirley, died Monday, May 13, 2024, at Health Alliance – Leominster Hospital.
JoAnn was born in Worcester, February 9, 1955, the youngest of three children born to the late Samuel C. and Ruth B. "Beverly" (Coyle) Johnston and grew up in Shirley. She has resided in Fitchburg for more than twenty years.
She was a 1973 graduate of Ayer High School and in 1977 received a bachelor's degree in education from Fitchburg State College.
For more than 30 years, JoAnn taught fourth grade at the Mary Rowlandson Elementary School in Lancaster, retiring in 2014. Following her retirement, she continued to work as a teacher's aide at the Lura White Elementary School in Shirley.
JoAnn volunteered at the Lancaster Humane Society and enjoyed reading. She was also a member of several local choirs and stayed busy dog walking and pet sitting.
JoAnn is survived by her daughter Tahmi Johnston of Fitchburg; her sister and brother in-law Donna and Nick Laggis of Ayer; and her two nieces Jennifer Robinson and Kristen Pedroli Pierce and her husband John Pierce. She also leaves a great niece Alexa Robinson and three great nephews Tyler Robinson, Nick Pedroli, and Matt Pedroli.
She was predeceased by her brother and sister in-law, Kevin and Lili Johnston of Shirley.
Her Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church, 14 Phoenix Street, Shirley. Burial will follow at The Village Cemetery, Shirley.
The Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road, Ayer is assisting the family with arrangements. For additional information or to post an online condolence, please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com.