ILION – Mrs. Leona M. Johnston, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, March 29, 2020, at the MVHS St. Luke’s Campus. At the time of her passing, she was in the hearts of those who loved her most. Born on December 23, 1959, Leona was a daughter of the late Arthur and Dixie (Feisthamel) Bronson. Her childhood years were spent in Utica where she received her education. On September 24, 1977, Leona was married to her childhood sweetheart, Philander Johnston, and the two shared in a blessed and devoted union of over forty-two years. Leona’s number one priority in life was always the well-being of her husband, children and grandchildren. She had a heart of gold and would give anything of herself to be sure her family had everything they needed. Her presence will be missed but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She is survived by her beloved husband, Philander; her daughters, Lisa Ray and companion, Roger Labosette of Utica, Leona Smith and husband, Albert of Boonville, Laura Johnston and companion, Barbara Slack of Ilion and Lena Wildey and husband, Michael of Ilion; her sons, George Johnston of Herkimer and Phillip Johnston of Ilion; and her eleven grandchildren, with special mention of Mirissa Covey and fincee, Joe Raux, Sean Covey and Edward Covey, for being by her side throughout her illness. She also leaves her siblings, Gail Quinn and husband, James of Lee Center, Dixie Clark of Utica, Marion Richards and companion, Claude Horning of Utica, Arthur Bronson and wife, Debra of Lee Center, Dale Bronson and wife, Tammy of Ohio, NY, Louis Bronson and wife, Diane of Utica, Donald Bronson and companion, Loretta of Oneida, Scott Bronson and wife, Renee of Frankfort and Rose Bronson of Utica; her in-laws, Frank Johnston and companion, Jessie Whaley, Carliss Johnston and wife, Karen and Alice Coleman and husband, Kevin; along with numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends, Wally Covey and fiancé, Rose Adams. Leona’s family will gather in a private ceremony to bid their farewells. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica. Leona’s final arrangements have been entrusted to funeral directors Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin Ciaccia of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com