LEWISTON – Eileen Ruth Crocker Francis Johnston, 61, of 554 Brighton Hill Road, Minot, died Wednesday, Aug. 23, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center after complications related to cancer.

She was born in Lewiston, April 20, 1945, the eldest child of the late Erwin and Dorothy Eveleth Crocker. She was educated in Auburn schools and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1963. She received her B.A. from the University of Maine at Orono in 1967, and her Masters in social work from San Diego State University in 1970.

She worked as a psychiatric social worker for Tri County Mental Health Services for 17 years, retiring in 1986, to spend time with her husband and daughter at home. She moved with her husband and daughter to New Hampshire, and later to Atlanta, Ga., returning to settle in Maine in 1994.

She was a voracious reader who also enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking and listening to music.

She loved Higgins Beach, sour green apples, chocolate, all seasons in Maine, entertaining, NPR and spending time with friends and family at home.

She will be remembered for the long letters she wrote, listening, her wicked sense of humor and her strength.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald L. (Jerry) Johnston of Minot, whom she married June 20, 1986; her daughter, Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Francis and her husband, Dr. Peter Mezo, of Toronto; three stepsons, Michael Johnston, Mark and his wife Angela Johnston and Matthew and his wife, Laura Johnston; her brothers, Bruce Crocker and his wife, Paula and Scott Crocker and his wife, Susan.

She was predeceased by her first husband, William Joseph Francis; and her parents.