Jane M. Johnston

WEST BOYLSTON - Jane M. Johnston, 71, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 21, 2022, after an illness. She leaves her beloved husband of 45 years, Richard J. Johnston Jr. of West Boylston; Jane and Rick were residents of Holden for 40 years before moving to West Boylston in 2020.

Raised in Auburn, Jane was the daughter of the late Thomas P. Cummins and Shirley M. (Spahl) Cummins, both of whom she advocated and cared for during many years of their declining health. In addition to her husband, Jane will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her brother James Cummins and his wife Suzanne of Jackson, MS, sister Christine Cummins of Whitinsville, brother Timothy Cummins and his wife Lynn of Auburn, and extended family. Jane was a devoted aunt and constant presence in the lives of a very lucky team of 11 nieces and nephews, and 13 great nieces and nephews.

Jane was a graduate of Greenfield Community College, where she received a degree in Recreation Leadership. She was a talented artist, a creative thinker, and a patient teacher. Those qualities brought many moments of happiness and companionship to the residents of the Lutheran Home and the Briarwood Community, where Jane spent much of her career as an Activities Director. Jane also worked in printing for Davis Publications, and after retirement shared her gifts and time as a Home Visitor with the elderly.
Jane was a standout athlete, playing three Varsity sports at Auburn High School. She went on to become an avid golfer, winning many local tournaments and maintaining active memberships in the Worcester County Women's Golf Association and the Holden Hills and Green Hill Women's Golf Leagues.

Eleanor Roosevelt described friendship this way: "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." Jane was that true friend, to a wide circle of lifelong and newer friends that never stopped growing - as the outpouring of their love and support during her illness attests.
From art classes to book clubs and countless holiday celebrations, Jane poured her heart and soul into her family, her friends, and her work - a dedication that often consumed not just her time, but her dining room table. We were the grateful beneficiaries of her gracious hosting abilities, beautiful works of art, babysitting services, special outings, and so much more.

Jane's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Jewish Healthcare Hospice team, as well as the Bethel Lutheran Church community, for their care and support.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jane's family from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, February 23, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, February 24, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Ave., Auburn. Burial will follow at All Faiths Cemetery in Worcester. Out of an abundance of caution and concern, facial masks will be required. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane's honor can be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Ave., Auburn, MA 01501. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.