Barbara Ann Johnson

Barbara A. Johnson, 92, died peacefully Tuesday October 3, 2023, surrounded by family at South County Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Gordon C. Johnson, mother of Carl Johnson, Martha Berghahn and Todd Johnson and grandmother of Deborah and Rachael Berghahn (children of Martha and Craig Berghahn), and Ellie and Faith Johnson (children of Todd and Audra Johnson).

Barbara was born in Kenmore NY, a pleasant suburb of Buffalo. She met her husband Gordon through a Kenmore Methodist Church young adults group. They married on June 30, 1956, and enjoyed 67 happy years of marriage. She worked first as a bookkeeper but then focused on the loving task of raising their children. After establishing their new home in Armonk when Gordon was transferred to Westchester, NY, she worked as an assistant to an importer, a church secretary and finally as a dental receptionist. Following Gordon's retirement, they moved to Wakefield RI in 1987.

Barbara’s days centered around family activities providing a loving home for her three children, later welcoming four granddaughters with whom she particularly enjoyed cooking and baking.

Barbara was an avid quilter and completed many quilts by hand. She played bridge both socially and as a member of the South County Slams. She and husband Gordon enjoyed ballroom dancing for many years, and they always anticipated and greatly enjoyed their extended wintering in Florida. She enjoyed travel with friends, including trips to Europe and Canada, several touring cruises, and numerous trips around the United States.

Being active in her church started with Barbara's early days in Kenmore, and continued in Armonk (NY), then Wickford Baptist (RI), and lastly Kingston Congregational. Barbara served on several church committees; and at two locations served as assistant treasurer. She was a long-term member of Chapter B Kingston P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Organization) Sisterhood and for 10 years hosted out-of-town traveling members as a major fundraiser contribution. She volunteered for the South County Hospital. In recent years Barbara was a regular exerciser at The Center in Wakefield.

In place of flowers, the family suggests a donation to South County Hospital, 100 Kenyon Ave, Wakefield, RI 02879.

A private graveside burial will be held at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will take place on November 4,2023 at 11:00 AM at Kingston Congregational Church; reception to follow.