Walda “Wally” E. (Fessenden) Johnstone, 81, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Oakdale Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center after an illness. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Walter J. and Elaine (Roslund) Fessenden and graduated from David Fanning Trade School in Worcester.

Her loving husband of 56 years, Robert R. Johnstone, passed away in 2013, She leaves a daughter, Margaret L. Johnstone of Rutland; two sons, William W. Johnstone of Laurel Hill, NC and Wayne R. Johnstone of Washington, DC; a granddaughter, Elizabeth E. Johnstone of Rutland; a great granddaughter, Nicolettemarie Vincent; two sisters, Margaret I. Germain and her husband, Ronald of Paxton and Marie T. Dacey and her husband, Timothy of Spencer; a brother-in-law, John Williams and his wife, Eliza of Atkinson, NH; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Walda enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and served her county for three years. She was a hardworking homemaker while her husband served in the Marine Corps for over 30 years. After retiring, the family moved to Holden before moving to Rutland in 2002. Walda was a member of the First Congregational Church of Princeton and was a talented seamstress who enjoyed sewing and making clothes for family and friends. She was a loving and generous person who loved to spend time with her family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, in the First Congregational Church of Princeton, 14 Mountain Road. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walda’s memory may be made to Veteran’s Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.