Allison Johnston

Born June 8th, 1994 - went to be with our heavenly Father on July 13th, 2022.

Allison was a 2012 graduate of Walkersville High School. She ran cross country and participated in the Unified Tennis program while there. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Kentucky in their pre-vet program. She worked at the UK dairy while there.  Though she did not complete her degree it started her passion for dairy cows and the dairy industry.  Upon her return to MD she worked on two different dairy farms enjoying her contact with the cows and working in the dairy parlor. She then started a job at the local Tractor Supply store. She quickly moved into a “team lead” position and then assistant store manager.  Within 4 years, she was a store manager and had her own store on Mt. Zion Rd. Allison very much enjoyed family time. She (with family) visited Montana several times, Oregon and Washington, and took 3 cruises, one of which included passing through the Panama Canal. She also loved family camping trips.  She camped many, many times at different camp resorts along the eastern seaboard. Her favorite camping spot was Lake Moomaw in Bath County, VA. This will eventually be Allison’s final resting place.  Along with her passion for cows, she was also very active with brother, Will, in the family chicken/duck/ goose/turkey menagerie.  They always got their birds tested and had large entries in The Great Frederick Fair, usually winning dozens of ribbons. We would call her our “chicken whisperer”.

In February of 2020, Allison was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. This was the beginning of her 2+ year battle with a horrid disease. She fought bravely and with much vigor. Though there was much suffering and many indignities, she never complained. She spent (along with her mother) 2.5 months at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to remove the tumor and many follow-up surgeries.  Upon her return to MD she completed her recovery at home. She did very well until November of 2021.  The cancer had reappeared in her lungs.  After many treatments at Johns Hopkins, her body could no longer fight. She was very persistent and tenacious throughout treatment. Through it all she never lost her faith in God or passion for all things dairy. Every place that Allison went she touched the people near her.  She started lifelong friendships with many of her care team while at the Mayo.  She also started many friendships while at Sinai Hospital and FMH. Each of her caregivers felt a connection to her.

Allison is survived by her parents, Willy and Donna Johnston, her brother, Will Johnston, several aunts, several cousins and her beloved dog, Socks.

We wish to express special gratitude to Doctor Pete Rose (at the Mayo) and the AOPA. Their help and expertise gave us extra time with Allison that otherwise would not have been possible.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any of the following organizations in her name. Each of these organizations helped Allison through her journey in their own compassionate way.

The Mayo Clinic of Rochester Minnesota. Frequently Asked Questions - Giving to Mayo Clinic
The Hope for Henry Foundation *         Hope for Henry Donations
The Walkersville Rescue Company        Walkersville Rescue Company, Inc. - Frederick County, Maryland (wvrc24.com)
The Mt Pleasant Ruritan Club                 Community – Mt. Pleasant Ruritan (mtpleasantruritan.com)
This may seem unusual but, Allison was treated in the Pediatric ward at Sinai Hospital due to her disease being a mostly childhood and young adult form of cancer.