Suzie Olive (Martin) Johnson
Suzie Olive (Martin) Johnson, 96, of East Swanzey died peacefully Oct. 7, 2011, in the comfort of her home with the love and compassion of her family and pastor by her side.
She was born in Weston, Mass., Jan. 30 1915, daughter of Nellie (Martin) and Arthur Martin. She moved to Swanzey with her family as a young child and was educated locally, graduating from Keene High School in 1933.
On Dec. 4, 1936, she married Henry Johnson at her parents home in East Swanzey with family and friends in attendance. They were happily married until his passing on Feb. 23, 2006.
Suzie was a woman of great faith. She was the longest participating member of the First Congregational Church in Swanzey Center. As an 80-year member, she was on numerous boards and committees. In her free time, she enjoyed swimming, sewing and crafts. She was also an incredible cook and the neighborhood children would often walk through her kitchen just to grab a fresh baked cookie out of “Grams” cookie jar. Most of her time was spent working the family farm and raising her two boys. However, when she and Henry were first married they lived in the Swanzey Lake Pavilion and ran the concession stand. Suzie was a wonderful mother and grandmother and was honored to be called “Gram” by most of the children and adults in the neighborhood over the years.
She was a member of numerous ladies organizations, including the Swanzey Womens Club and the Richmond Grange and was the secretary for the Cheshire Fair for 50 years. Several years ago, a park was dedicated to Suzie and her husband, Henry, at the fairgrounds for the many years of service to the Cheshire Fair.
Survivors include her two sons, Michael H. Johnson of East Swanzey and Robert C. Johnson and his wife, Linda, of Swanzey; her grandchildren, Janet Trombley and her husband, Todd, of Swanzey, Eric Johnson and his wife, Geraldine, of Newport; her great-grandchildren, Matthew and Jessica Trombley of Swanzey and Kyle and Hannah Johnson of Newport; and several nieces, nephews, cousins extended family and friends. Her parents, her husband, and her four siblings, Winford Martin, Russell Martin, Agnes Berry and Robert Martin all died earlier.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church. Rt. 32 South, Old Homestead Hwy., Swanzey Center. Burial will be held in the family lot on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, Route 32 South, Old Homestead Highway, Swanzey Center. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family requests donations be made in memory of Suzie O. Johnson to Hospice at HCS, Patient/Family Services, 312 Marlboro St., Keene 03431. All services are under the direction of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 46 South Winchester St., West Swanzey.
