Our community’s beloved Kaitlin Lindsay (Hetzner) Johnston passed into another realm Thursday, August 7 in Asheville. She was 49 years old and died from a short and unexpected journey with cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce. This GoFundMe has been created to provide financial support and ease of mind and spirit in his grieving journey. Funds raised will support Bruce with:

Please join us in supporting Bruce in this way. If you are unable to contribute financially at this time, please consider sharing this GoFundMe mindfully in your circles with those who were touched by Kaitlin’s life.

Kaitlin's Obituary

Kaitlin Lindsay (Hetzner) Johnston

June 23, 1976 – August 7, 2025

Kaitlin Lindsay Johnston, lovingly known as Katie to her family, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 49.

Born in Madison, WI, and raised between Hamburg, Michigan, and Kiel, Wisconsin, Kaitlin’s life was one of deep empathy, spiritual wisdom, and service to others. As a Priestess of Cycles, Kaitlin had a rare and profound gift for guiding people through life’s transitions—through song, sacred ceremony, and the holding of space for grief, celebration, and healing. Her presence was steady and radiant, a source of calm and compassion for countless individuals navigating life’s most difficult and meaningful moments.

She is survived by her devoted husband Bruce Johnston; her father Michael Hetzner; her sisters Megan (Terry Andersen) Hetzner and Molly (Ryan) Rabe; parents-in-law Joyce and Craig Johnston, brother and sister-in-law Ross Johnston and Rachel Winstedt; nieces and nephews Azure, Zane (Iyanla Rivera), and Winter Tinkle, and Harper and Gavin Johnston-Winstedt; and great-nephew Ivíca Sol Lokahi Rivera-Tinkle. She is also survived by her chosen family and dear friends in the Earthaven Ecovillage community, where she found connection, purpose, and home.

Kaitlin was preceded in death by her beloved son Rowan Kavanaugh Lindsay Johnston, her cherished mother Nora Lindsay Hetzner, maternal grandparents Kenneth and Rosalie Lindsay, and paternal grandparents Hugo and Jean Hetzner.