Donna M. Johnson

Donna M. Johnson, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 20 at the Rouse Home, where she had resided for the past 2 ½ years.  Her family would like to thank the nurses, aides, and all the compassionate caregivers of the Rouse Home and Hospice for their constant, professional, and kind care through some extremely difficult times. A special thank you goes out to Donna’s roommate Clara, who is kind beyond words and was truly a friend and watchful eye when the family wasn’t there.  Prior to living at the Rouse Home, Donna resided in Tidioute, PA.

She was born September 3, 1928, the daughter of Calvin and Lena (McChesney) Montgomery.

After completing school in Tidioute, Donna worked at Bell Telephone Co. in Warren.  In 1948, she married Bill Johnson, and while raising 5 children, was tax collector for Triumph Township for many years.  She returned to the workforce at New Process Company for 10 years, and then she and Bill retired, took to the highways in their 5th wheel travel trailer and made memories while viewing the beauty of the United States from coast to coast.  That trip was most likely “the time of their lives”, full of stories of their visits to landmarks, unexpected RV/vehicle challenges, but nothing this old-school resourceful duo couldn’t handle.  Donna kept a journal for years and often said she should write a book about her travels with Bill.  The book’s title would be “My Adventures with Sweet William”. Being avid boaters, water skiers, and tent campers made for many memorable and rustic adventures at  Tionesta Dam, year after year.  These family summer vacations were far from “glamping”.

Donna also loved flower gardening, crocheting and knitting, an exciting game of Scrabble, and playing cards and just having fun with the grandchildren.   Reunions, hot dog and corn roasts, birthday and holiday parties, and especially Easter egg hunts at Grandma & Grandpa Johnson’s were epic.  Donna was happiest spending time with her family and friends and loved them all.   Her smile made us smile.

Donna was a member of the Tidioute Presbyterian Church, their Women’s Association, and choir.  She also enjoyed a membership in the Red Hat Society.

July 23, 2023 marks the 75th wedding anniversary with Bill, who survives, and resides in their home in Tidioute.  She is also survived by their children, Lynn (Loretta) Johnson of Tidioute;  Tom (Lesley Shreve, Warren, PA) of Tidioute; Nancy, (Kinzua Healthcare) (Tom) Nansen of Tidioute;  Sue (Jack) Shields,  Tidioute, and Mark (Terri) Johnson of Middle River, MD.  A special niece, Sarah Montgomery, of Tidioute has always been like a daughter to them and ever present in their lives.  Grandchildren, including those of our special blended families, are Jodi, Amy;  Jessica, Laurie Ann; Julie, Amy, Nick;  Melissa, Chris, Andy; and Tiffany.  Great-grandchildren numbering 21 as well as generations of many nieces and nephews are additions to the family.

In addition to her parents, Donna’s siblings and their spouses predeceased her.  They are Calvin, Jr. (Betty) Montgomery, Beverly (Byron) Baker, and Diana (Paul) Ludwig.  Also passing on before Donna were her grandson William E.E. Johnson (Billy) and step-grandson Tommy Hall.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.

Donations in Donna’s memory will be gratefully accepted by the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter,  2835 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA  15203;  Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave., Warren, PA 16365;  Friends of the Rouse, 701 Rouse Avenue, Youngsville, PA  16371;  Swedish Union Church & Cemetery Association, % Sue Shields, Treasurer, 36 Swede Road, PA  16351.

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