Katherine M. Johnson, 91, a longtime resident of Waitsfield, passed away peacefully at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin on Friday, March 2, 2012. Born in Beverly, MA, on November 8, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Merritt and Hazel (Cook) Bragg. On June 13, 1942, she married Merrill H. Johnson Sr. in Waterbury. Merrill predeceased Katherine on June 19, 2003.
Katherine attended elementary school in Waitsfield and was a graduate of Burlington High School. As a young woman she worked as a clerk at the Waitsfield Post Office and then following her marriage was busy and happy as a homemaker and raising her family.
Katherine later returned to work at the former Alpen Inn in Waitsfield where she was the head of housekeeping for over 20 years, from which she retired.
Her memberships included the Mad River American Legion Auxiliary Unit 75, which she was a charter member. In her leisure time, she enjoyed vegetable gardening, flower gardening – especially mountain pinks – picking wild raspberries, going for walks and spending time enjoying nature and the outdoors.
Her family lovingly remembers Katherine for her kind heart and gentle spirit, her keen lifelong interest in local and state politics, and the joy she felt spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Katherine is survived by her children, Marana Allen of Waterbury, Christine Parkhurst of Wolcott, Myrna Wiseman of Dover, TN, John Johnson and Hugh Johnson, both of Waitsfield; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Shirley Bragg of Burlington; a brother, Robert Bragg of East Montpelier; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Katherine was predeceased by a sister, Ruth Janes.
Graveside services will be held from the Warren Village Cemetery this spring at a time and date to be announced. For those who wish, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, P. O. Box 305, Waitsfield, VT 05673. To send online condolences please visit www.perkinsparker.com and Facebook. Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.
