Barbara Estelle Johnston

Barbara Johnston passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in Chesterfield, Virginia. She was born on January 15, 1936, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Sophia Goodes and Claude Wolfanger. Her early years were lived in New York City (Queens).  

Barbara pursued a lifelong commitment to education and service. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and later completed a Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Minnesota. Her academic achievements reflected her deep intellect and compassion—qualities that guided her throughout her life.  

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Christopher Johnston and wife Shari, and Jennifer Taratsas and husband George, and by her cherished grandchildren: Sophia, Hayden, and Hunter Johnston, and Andriana Taratsas.  She is also survived by her sisters, Joanne Peretti and Diane Klumb.  Barbara’s love and support for her family and friends was constant throughout her life.

Barbara loved raising her children in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis, and though she lived in Richmond, VA for many years, she always considered the Twin Cities home.  Barbara was an avid reader of books and news, including the New York Times each day, and she would often clip and share articles that she thought would be appreciated by others.  

May her memory be eternal and bring comfort and peace to all who mourn her passing. Visitation will be held on Monday September 15, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave, St. Paul.  Private burial will be held at Roselawn Cemetery on September 16.