Alison Johnston Wenstrand, 78, of Denair, California, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Turlock, California, surrounded by the love of her family.
Alison was born on May 23, 1947, in Turlock, California, to Kathleen “Kay” Johnston and Harry Johnston, who preceded her in death. A lifelong resident of the Turlock and Denair area, Alison graduated from Turlock High School and later Modesto Junior College.
Alison devoted most of her life to her family as a loving mother and homemaker. She also worked alongside family at Modesto Steel Company and later served as a teller at Wells Fargo, where her friendly nature and welcoming smile made her a natural fit. She had a warm and inviting disposition that naturally drew people to her. Family often joked that Alison “never met a stranger,” a reflection of her genuine kindness and the ease with which she connected with others. She was a sweet, gentle, and generous soul, always ready to lend a hand or share a kind word.
In 2005, Alison faced one of the greatest challenges of her life when she was diagnosed with a Grade IV glioblastoma brain tumor and given only 12–18 months to live. Demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience, she fought the disease and ultimately became cancer-free, going on to enjoy many more years with the people she loved most.
Alison loved oldies music, dancing, and socializing with friends, but above all she cherished time with her family. She also found joy in occasionally volunteering her time reading to elementary school children, sharing her warmth and encouragement with younger generations.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Don Wenstrand of Denair, California. Alison and Don were married in 1967 in Carmel Highlands, California. Following Don’s service in Vietnam, they moved to Fort Stewart, Georgia, where Don was stationed and where they began their family. They later returned home to Denair, where they raised their children and built a life rooted in community and family.
She is also survived by her sons Grant Wenstrand and his wife Teresa of San Diego, California, and Colin Wenstrand and his wife Laura of Denair, California.
Alison was a proud grandmother–known as “Nana” to her grandchildren–to Brigg Wenstrand and his wife Audra, Abigail Wenstrand, Isabella Wenstrand, and Lars Wenstrand.
She is also survived by her siblings Leslie Semorile of Visalia, California; Reed Johnston of Budapest, Hungary; and Stuart Johnston of Chiang Mai, Thailand.
A Celebration of Life honoring Alison will be held on April 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather to remember and celebrate her life. The family encourages guests to wear bright colors in celebration of Alison’s life. A reception will follow at the California State Stanislaus University Event Center.
Alison will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. She truly never met a stranger, and her ability to make others feel seen and welcome will remain her lasting legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Alison’s memory to consider a donation to Westside Ministries in Turlock or to a charity of your choice.
