Patricia Lynn Johnson Faustini, 64
Patricia Lynn Johnson Faustini was born April 4, 1950, to Richard and Irene Johnson and raised in Columbus, Ohio, along with her favorite brother, Rick.
On Nov. 20, 2014, Patti died at home “and entered heaven, lovingly supported by her beloved daughter and husband.”
A lifelong Buckeye fan, Patti graduated from Ohio State University with a teaching degree, which became a major lifetime passion. She enjoyed her years in various classroom settings and excelled at making learning exciting, meaningful and enjoyable for her students.
Upon graduation from college, Patti began a lifetime of travel. Fearlessly cruising in a VW bug by herself, she drove several times from Ohio to California and back, just for fun. Soon she added Montana to the circuit. Later, she would travel to Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain and Italy, including leading student groups throughout Europe, and a church group to Israel. Patti loved the excitement and newness of travel, and encouraged her daughter and students to explore the world.
In 1980, she married Jim McIntyre and with him, adopted the joys of her life, her beautiful children, Kimberly May and Jeremy James McIntyre. She was a devoted and nurturing mother and the ultimate holiday lover with her kids. Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving were always a magical time in her home.
Throughout her life, Patti had many dear and wonderful friends, but her longtime best friend, Donna Taylor, was truly as close as any sister could be. They shared every success and disappointment over the years and were godmothers to each other's children — All the more love and blessing to share through their children.
Patti married Renato “Ray” Faustini on July 24, 2008. They retired to Arizona, traveling the West in their RV before deciding retirement was just not exciting enough. They came home to Whitefish and Patti returned to teaching once again, loving each and every day with her students at Muldown Elementary.
Patti was deeply loved by her family at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish. She especially enjoyed the Bible study groups she organized and facilitated. Pastor John and Grace Bent were her precious and close friends.
Patti is survived by her beloved husband, Renato Faustini; mother, Irene Johnson, of Lake Havasu, Ariz.; daughter, Kimberly McIntyre and son Jeremy McIntyre, both of Whitefish; granddaughter, Leah Marie Faith McIntyre; brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Cindy Johnson, of Malibu, Calif.; nephews, Richie, Philip and Jeremy Johnson, of California; stepchildren, Branson Faustini, Nicole Faustini and Danielle Dickman; and godchildren, Taylor, Lindsey Patricia (her namesake) and Carly Schwickert.
A celebration of life will be held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 River Lakes Pkwy., Whitefish.
“Goodbye is a part of life. It's a very important word to say clearly, gratefully, even tearfully. But it is not the last word in God's vocabulary. Ever. We love you, Patti, and we will see you again in heaven.”
Memorials to honor our beloved Patti can be made to Christ Lutheran Church Deacon's Fund (which assists local people in need) and Children of Kathmandu (provides education, healthcare and adequate living conditions for needy children in Nepal) at 3801 Spruce Meadow Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718.
Austin Funeral Home is caring for Patti’s family.