FAYETTE – Marlee Danielle Johnston, 14, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov. 26.

She was born in Augusta, on Sept. 24, 1991, the daughter of Edward “Ted” Johnston and Marlene Thibodeau, and sister of Alec Johnston.

Marlee was happy, carefree and unfazed. She was very independent, unique and self-reliant. Marlee was warm, caring and kindhearted and, in many ways, mature far beyond her years.

Marlee was a pride and joy to her parents. She looked up to her brother, Alec. In a journal, she recently replied to the best thing about my family … “We’re nuts! We’re together, my dad’s fun, my mom’s funny, my brother’s cool.”

Marlee loved to learn, and it was infectious. A day did not pass without her enthusiastically sharing in detail a new discovery. Recently, Marlee performed a duet in “Songs For Life” at Winthrop Middle School. They sang “100 Years” by Five For Fighting, an inspirational piece about living life to its fullest. Parental pride aside, she was great. She made us better people for being her family and we love her with all our hearts.

Marlee played soccer, softball, was an alpine skier and loved to swim. The thrill of gliding down the ski slope at a race became a newfound passion. Music was always around her. She enjoyed piano and singing, and was learning the guitar.

Marlee attended Fayette Elementary School, currently attended Winthrop Middle School and planned to attend Kents Hill School next year.

Marlee is survived by her loving parents, Ted and Marlene; her awesome brother, Alec Johnston, all of Fayette; her maternal grandparents, Fernand and Edwina Thibodeau of Van Buren; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends, young and old.

She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Evelyn and Alex Baird of Toronto.

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