Marie "Mimi" Irene Johnson

Marie (Mimi) Johnson passed away peacefully in her home on February 17th. Marie was the eldest child of William and Irene (Tousignant) Guertin. She grew up in the Forge Village section of Westford, a very popular area for the French Canadian population, which was her heritage.

Marie married her first husband, John Paduano and they raised their 5 children, Paula, John, Sheryl, Lisa and Cathy in Westford.

In July of 1985, on her birthday, Marie married the love of her life, Leroy (Roy) Johnson. Roy has said that the reason they married on her birthday was so that he could never forget it. She didn't have to worry about that because their love was the stuff that was written in history books and that few people get to experience.

Marie and Roy shared adventures and travels together. Sint Maarten became their favorite spot and they would go back yearly to enjoy its beauty. They also traveled cross country and spent time in California, Arizona and Florida. When they were home together, they enjoyed day trips to Plum Island, lunches at the 99 and jaunts up to New Hampshire.

Marie was an avid reader and bird lover. Roy always made sure the feeders were full so she could enjoy the view from the front window to watch them, especially the hummingbirds, which were her favorite. Marie loved to spend time with her daughters and always looked forward to their Sunday visits and their trips to the casino.

Marie was Mimi to her grandchildren, Chris, Jason(predeceased), Jamie, Chuckie, Nathan, Ryan, Colin and Jonathan and she reveled in hearing about all of their accomplishments. She was so proud of all of them. She also had the joy of her great grand children, Max, Ally, Johnny, Skyy and was excited to welcome her newest granddaughter who is coming this April. A very private woman, family was the most important thing to her.

In the last year she grew closer to Roy's four daughters, Donna, Lisa, Karen and Crystal. She especially looked forward to Karen's morning visits. Over the past 7 months, Always at Home Care provided Marie with a live in caretaker. Her name was Patience and she and Marie developed a wonderful relationship. Nashoba Nursing provided Hospice for Marie and the nurses and everyone were caring and wonderful and all these people made Marie's last few months much easier.

Marie was a strong, caring woman who was loved by many. We will miss her quick wit and teasing nature. We will miss her love of life and the joy that she brought to others. Rest in Peace Sweet Mimi.

A memorial service is planned for the spring.

Donations can be made in her Memory to:

Friends of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Inc.

6 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker_river/