Kathleen Leymon Johnston

Kathleen Leymon Johnston, known by family and friends as Kathy, aged 59, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by the warmth of her family and the cherished memories of a life lived with joyful purpose.

She was preceded in death by her father Lee Roy Leymon and nephew Eli Manuel.

Kathleen is survived by her husband Brian K. Johnston; sons: Keith W. Johnston (Kim), Kyle A. Johnston (Shayla); mother Marilyn Leymon; brothers: Greg Leymon (Debbie), Brian Leymon (Melissa); grandchildren: Allessia, Ace; mother-in-law Linda Manuel; brothers-in-law: James Manuel (Mary), John Manuel; nieces: Katie (Alex), Madeline, Charlotte; nephews: Gregory, Sloan, Ronan, Milo and Izzy; great-niece Eleanor and great-nephew Jackson.

She was born on March 4, 1965, in Traverse City, Michigan to Lee and Marilyn Leymon. She graduated from Sandia High School and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Throughout her life she worked at Mervyn's Department Store, Sunwest Bank, UNM Bookstore Accounting and CNM Accounting.

Kathleen's passions were as varied as they were heartfelt. She found daily joy in the intellectual challenge of Words With Friends, engaging in friendly competition and connection with others through the power of language. Her culinary skills were unmatched when it came to crafting her amazing baked treats and her red chile enchiladas. Simple pleasures, such as savoring a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, feeding her birds and walking her dogs were never lost on Kathleen, who found contentment in life's smallest joys.

Beyond her interests, Kathleen's true vocation was her role as a devoted mother and wife. She embraced these roles with every fiber of her being, considering the upbringing of her children to be her greatest achievement. Her unwavering dedication to her family was evident in her every action and the love she poured into every moment spent with them.

Kathleen's sense of style was impeccable, and she took great pleasure in expressing herself through fashion and clothing. Her home was a reflection of her elegant taste, with each room meticulously decorated, particularly during the holidays when her flair for creating a festive atmosphere came to the fore. Friends and family looked forward to these times, knowing they would be welcomed into a space of warmth and celebration, meticulously crafted by Kathleen's loving hands.

Celebrating others was a cornerstone of Kathleen's life. She delighted in recognizing birthdays, ensuring those around her felt special and valued. Her thoughtfulness extended to the gifts she gave, each chosen with consideration and a desire to bring happiness to the recipient. Kathleen's giving nature was evident in her everyday actions, always ready to lend a hand or offer a kind word.

Described by those who knew her best as loving, kind, and generous, Kathleen's legacy is one of selfless devotion and enduring affection. Her considerate and helpful nature made her a cherished member of her community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those she touched.

As we bid farewell to Kathleen A. Johnston, we celebrate a life that exemplified the beauty of caring for others. She has left behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire and guide us. Her presence will be deeply missed, yet the memories she created, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared will forever be a part of the lives she has so positively impacted.

While we mourn the loss of such a remarkable soul, we take solace in the knowledge that her spirit lives on through her family, her friends, and the countless lives she enriched simply by being herself—Kathleen, a cherished wife, a beloved mother, devoted daughter and sister and a true friend to all.

Kathy's Life Celebration be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 10:30am at United Bible Fellowship Church located at 4012 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. We will have short service and then lunch afterwards.

If you wish to contribute to her memory, donations can be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at https://www.theaftd.org/.