In Loving Memory of Dr. Cynthia Jo Hendricks Johnston

Dr. Cynthia Jo Hendricks Johnston went to join her beloved husband of 60 years, Rev. Hewitt V. Johnston, on September 2, 2026.

Cynthia was born on April 20, 1942, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to the late Clarence and Lois Hendricks. She graduated from Macalester College in Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in education and went on to earn her master’s degree from Western Michigan University. She later received her doctorate in Early Childhood Development from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She worked in various roles as a teacher, librarian, and professor throughout her professional career. She was an integral part of children’s Christian Education associated with the Episcopal Church. She researched best practices and created a curriculum that was used for many years, sharing her research in numerous magazine articles.

It was during her time as a camp counselor at Cass Lake Episcopal Church Camp that Cynthia first laid eyes on the handsome young Hewitt Johnston, who was studying at seminary at the time. When she asked to borrow his umbrella for a skit with her campers, a simple request became the beginning of a lifelong love story. Cynthia knew almost immediately that Hewitt was the man with whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life. They married in 1964 and spent the next six decades showing those around them what love, commitment, and faith could look like.

Through good times and difficult ones, Cynthia and Hewitt faced life side by side, always leaning on one another and on their faith. They shared a love of travel, good food, and British television. Of all the places they visited, Hawaii held a special place in their hearts. Its beauty and peacefulness brought them both tremendous joy.

Cynthia’s greatest joy, however, was her family.

She is survived by her son, Eric (Amy) Johnston. Cynthia spent much of her life balancing a mother’s desire to protect her son with the knowledge that he needed to live his own life—even when that life included joining the Army, flying helicopters, and serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. She worried about him, prayed for him, and loved him fiercely. Whenever Cynthia spoke of Eric, her eyes would light up with pride.

She is also survived by her two adored granddaughters, Delaney Johnston and Riley Jo Johnston. When the girls visited, Cynthia filled their days with puppet shows, dress-up dates, shopping sprees, and art lessons. Some of their fondest memories are of making a glorious mess at their grandparents’ house. We were so grateful for their willingness to join Amy and the girls back to South Korea so they could be reunited with Eric. Both of their granddaughters took their first plane ride to see NanaGramps. Christmas markets in Germany were made better with their visit. There were also shared special trips to Disney World, Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Helen, Georgia; and Tybee Island, Georgia. Cynthia had a hard time telling her granddaughters “no”

and would do almost anything to see them smile. To Delaney and Riley, she was not only a grandmother, but a source of adventure, creativity, unconditional love, and treasured memories.

Cynthia is also survived by her siblings, Tom (Donna) Hendricks and Lois (Tom) Hulse. As the oldest, Cynthia remembered being a little mother to Tom and Lois when they were growing up. She took great pride in believing she had helped build the foundation for the remarkable people they became. Her siblings were among her most treasured possessions, and she was immensely proud of them. Cynthia considered Hewitt’s sister, Mardi (John) Woodarek as another sister. Through years of living near one another, they had a bond that could not be broken.

She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews: Johnathan (Tracey) Hendricks, Karen Hendricks, Kim (Chip) Johnson, Kelly (Richie) Robertson, Timothy (Natalie) Kuhn, Paul (Lori) Woodarek, Kate (Reuven) Schwarz, and Christine (Matt Pivnick) Woodarek. Cynthia cherished each of them and was especially grateful for the opportunity to know and love their children.

Cynthia will be remembered for her dry sense of humor, her unwavering faith, her deep love of family, and, above all, her enduring love and dedication for her husband, Hewitt. For 60 years, they chose one another, supported one another, and built a life together. Though they are now reunited, the love they shared remains in the family and in the many lives they touched.

She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.