Mrs. Esther (Gotsell) Johnston, 99, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 20, 2016, at the home of her daughter, Marlene, and son-in-law, Marshall Hall. Mrs. Johnston was born in Thomaston, CT on September 3, 1917 and lived there most of her life with her late husband George (Gabby) Johnston. She is the daughter of the late Clayton and Anna (Glennon) Gotsell. She is survived by one son, Clayton J. Johnston, and four daughters, Marlene J. Hall (Marshall); Janice J. Stevens (Laurence); Georgia M. Johnston; and Regina J. Collins (Terry); her cousin, Lucille (Gotsell) Killiany; 17 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and extended family. After graduating from Thomaston High School in 1934, Esther studied at Perrys Business School in Waterbury. While raising five children, she was employed as an executive secretary. She especially enjoyed working for the president of Chases in Waterbury during the forties and for Eugene Fodor of Fodors travel guides in the seventies. Esther married her grade-school sweetheart George and together they shared long-lasting Thomaston friendships. She loved to travel; especially cruising with her daughters. She danced in New York City ballrooms as a young woman and at her granddaughters wedding at age 99. Her editing skills were incomparable. She reviewed everything from college term papers to Fodors guide books. She will be remembered for the love she had for family and friends, her pets and her favorite part of a meal, dessert! A meal was not complete without it. And there was never a time that a cat was not looking for her lap or a dog waiting by the side of her bed. She loved her pets and they were devoted to her. She loved her children and they loved, admired, and respected her. Calling hours will be held 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 23, at Lyons Funeral Home, 46 High Street, Thomaston. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, at St. Thomas Church, 1 East Main St., Thomaston. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Memorial contributions would be appreciated in Mrs. Johnstons name to either the Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main Street, Thomaston, CT 06787; or Northfield Public Library, 38 Main Street, Northfield, CT 06788.

Service Information Cemetery St. Thomas Cemetery Thomaston, CT --> Visitation Sunday October 23, 2016 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Lyons Funeral Home 46 High Street Thomaston, CT 06787 --> Service Monday October 24, 2016 10:00 AM St. Thomas Church One East Main St. Thomaston, CT -->