Lois Joan (Abel) Johnson

PEABODY - Mrs. Lois Joan Johnson, 99, beloved wife of the late Russell B Johnson, died Monday, June 13, 2022, at assisted living, Brooksby Village in Massachusetts.

Born and raised in and around Denver, Colorado she was the daughter of John and Lois (Youberg) Abel. She received an associate degree in teaching from Colorado Women’s College and was a lifelong learner. Having been raised in the Baptist church, she remained a faithful follower of Jesus Christ throughout her life. She loved music, and met her husband at the Denver Music Festival where they were both singing in small ensembles. They wed in 1947 and were married for 70 years. He worked for IBM, so she had the opportunity to live in many beautiful and interesting places. During those years, she devoted herself to raising their three daughters, and teaching them to put their faith in Jesus. She also volunteered and held leadership roles in the Presbyterian church they attended. She was an avid reader, and had skills in sewing and needlework, as well as oil painting and other crafts. She was ahead of her time regarding healthy eating and exercise. After retirement, Joan and Russ lived in Sun City in Oro Valley, AZ for 20 years. During that time, they enjoyed church and community activities, traveling, and entertaining.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Diane Shawver and her husband Robert of East Greenwich, RI, Susan Skillen and her husband John of Newburyport, MA, and Nancy Carroll and her husband James of Lillian, AL, her 13 grandchildren, and her 15 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was the sister of the late Mary Lee and John Abel, Jr.

ARRANGEMENTS: Joan’s burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, Massachusetts will be private. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Joan’s memory to Brooksby Resident Care Fund, 100 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, MA 01960. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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