Jan Johnson Obituary (1932 - 2002)

WEST GARDINER ? Jan M. Johnson, 69, of West Gardiner, died Sunday, April 14, 2002, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta after a long illness. She was born in Millinocket, June 7, 1932, the daughter of Kenneth and Adelaide (Hill) Sawyer. She grew up in the Millinocket area, graduating from Schenk High School in East Millinocket. She then went on to attend Bangor Theological Seminary, where she met her husband, the Rev. Ernest Johnson. They were married in 1950. Jan and her husband lived in Braintree, Mass., for 30 years where he was a pastor and she was a great partner to her husband in the ministry. Jan was an accomplished musician, playing both organ and piano. She also taught many children to play, never charging for the service. Jan taught Sunday school for more than 40 years and altogether served the ministry for 50 years. Mrs. Johnson and her husband moved back to Maine in 1985 and continued their ministry at Manchester Community Church. In her spare time, Jan enjoyed gardening and was an antique car enthusiast. She also loved spending time at the family cottage on Lake Cobbosseecontee. She spent time as a hospice volunteer and through her ability to listen, made many friends. She was intuitive to people's needs, and people loved to talk to her. Jan is survived by her husband, the Rev. Ernest Johnson; two sons, Ernest Johnson III of Boston, and Bruce S. Johnson of Weymouth, Mass.; two daughters, Debbie Wood and her husband, Dr. Jon Wood of Bass River, Mass., and Lori Horan and her husband, Shawn, of Yarmouth, Mass.; a brother, Kenneth Sawyer, of Weymouth; her grandchildren, Sonja Sawyer and Wesley Horan, Joshua Wood and his wife, Sue, Margie Wood and Kathy Fricke and her husband, Dr. Matt Fricke, along with numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at Manchester Community Church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Manchester Community Church, Route 17, Manchester 04351.