Millinocket, ME and Edgewater, FL – Carol A. Johnson died on April 7, 2009 after a long illness. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 10, 1939, to Elizabeth Marie (Heck) and Joseph Szymczak. rnShe graduated from Appleton High School, Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1957.rn rnShe married Robert C. Johnson Feb. 13, 1960, in Appleton, Wis. They moved to Millinocket in February 1962. Over the years, she worked at Wisconsin Michigan Power Company, for the Millinocket School Department, for Reed’s Insurance, and for the Millinocket Memorial Library. She also had her own business “Carol’s Catered Cookies”.rn rnShe served as a volunteer for a number of years with the Katahdin Area Support Group, a local grass-roots organization that provides information, counseling and support to families in the area with family members who were terminally ill, or experiencing long-term illness. One of her proudest accomplishments was to be involved in the establishment of the annual Great Chocolate Escape, begun in 1989 as a fund-raiser for that group, which had a terrific response from the public and continued for many years. rnCarol was an avid “pedaler” of her 3-wheeled bicycle in Florida and her pedal boat at camp in Maine.rn rnShe was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and was known as a great cook by all of her family and friends.rnShe was so proud of her children, and just as proud of the adults they grew into. Some of her happiest memories with them involve trips they took to Mt. Desert Island, to New Hampshire, and to New York when they were young.rn rnShe is survived by her husband, Robert and three children, Wendy Johnson and her fiance, Paul Baron of Bangor, Maine; Jeff Johnson and his wife, Karen, of Lewiston, and Karen Weavill and her husband, Andrew of Rhode Island, four treasured, brilliant and beloved grandchildren, Caleb, Gabriel and Susan Johnson of Lewiston, a step-grandson, Sam Johnson and Robbie Weavill of Providence. Carol is also survived by her very special sister Laura Ward, and her companion, Edward Nelson, of Madison, Wisconsin.rn rnrn rnrn rn
Memorial gifts may be made in Carol’s name to Lydia’s Mission at St. Peter the Fisherman Church in New Smyrna Beach, the Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, 04462, to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 222, Millinocket, Maine 04462, or to Millinocket Memorial Library, 5 Maine Ave., Millinocket or to the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston.
Memorial service will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 14 at St Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church. There will also be a memorial service in Millinocket in August, 2009.rn St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church 4212 Saxon Drive New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 (map/driving directions)
She left the following message for those she’s left behind: “Please don’t feel sad for me. By the time you read this, I will have seen my God face to face (and asked him some questions I’ve had for most of my adult life, like ‘Please explain the Trinity.’) You may feel sad for those I’ve left behind who grieve, but rejoice for me that I’ve reached my goal, and am living in eternal joy.”
Russ and I were so saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. She was such a beautiful lady, always smiling, and going out of her way to come and say hello. Wendy, we know you will miss her very much, as she was very special to you. Through you, we were fortunate to meet her.
We wish to express our most sincere sympathies and want you to know that you will be rememberd in our prayers. When you miss her most, re-read her message she left and know that she is now facing her God, asking Him all her questions and getting her answers from the one she wanted them answered. She is now, as she states, in eternal joy and life.
Wendy, know that we are always here for you. You have our e-mail through this site, we hope, and feel free to use it. Keep in touch, and you are in our thoughts.
Much love,
Russ & Sev
I was so saddened to hear of your mom's passing today... I remember your mom well. She was always the nicest lady, and seeing her picture here makes my heart go out to you all. My prayers are with you for strength and peace. Remember, she's smiling on you from heaven, hoping you'll laugh in her memory instead of cry in her absence.
Bless you.
Bill
We were saddened to read of Carols passing.She is a special Lady.We wiil always be greatful for her kindness and caring of our mother Frances (NANA) Cummings.
Sincere Sympathy. Wendall&Christine McNally
PS Loved the message she left.