Frances Johnston

Frances Marie Johnston passed away on December 11, 2025 surrounded by love at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha, NE after prolonged chronic illnesses. She was born on November 24, 1949 in Omaha, NE, to Leo and Genevieve McShane. Frances had two children; a son Scott David Altstadt- who sadly died as an infant in 1974, and a daughter Dawn Marie Altstadt. 

Frances is survived by her daughter; Dawn Marie Lazaro and her husband Ivan; Grandchildren Krystalena, Nicholas, Kora, Aurora; Great grandchildren Selene and Khalena. Her brother Richard M McShane and Patricia Stokes. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Many friends, especially the Notre Dame Sisters, and those where she lived at Seven Oaks of Florence for so many years

Frances went to St. Philip Neri Catholic School and Omaha North High School, where see played the flute in the marching band. After graduating, Frances went to cosmopolitan school to became a beautician. After working in several locations in Omaha, Frances then moved to Broken Bow, NE at the urging of friends to work and manage a local beauty shop there.

After several years Frances moved back to Omaha and changed careers becoming a CNA/med aid for several more years. Again Frances worked in many places in the Omaha area and then was hired by the VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) transferring to home health care which she did for several years.

A chance surprise phone call from Father Val Peter lead to another career change for her, becoming the Sacristan for him at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Boys Town, NE. She worked there for six years until her retirement. It was during this time that her love for the Virgin Mary grew so strong.

Visitation and funeral on Wednesday December 17th, 2025 at 10:00 AM with the Memorial Mass to begin at 10:30 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Dr., Omaha, NE 68164. All services will be held in the Chapel of Our Lady. Inurnment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, NE.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family, the Notre Dame Sisters notredamesisters.org/ or the Josie Harper Hospice House hospicehouseomaha.org/about-us/ in Omaha, NE.