Helen (Josie) Johnson
Helen (Josie) Johnson
Helen (Josie) Johnson, 97, was born August 23, 1927. She was a daughter of Tekla and John Szarowiz who came to the United States in 1907 from Poland. She was one of twelve children. After the breakup of the marriage, she was placed in the Children’s Home and Orphanage in Warren, Pennsylvania at the age of three.
When she was seven years old, she was sent to live on the Twin Hickory Farm in Sugar Grove. Morgan riding horses were raised there, and she acquired a passion for them. At the age of nine, she was training them by herself. She rode her horses in all the area horse shows, winning many blue ribbons.
As a teenager, she was fearless, after riding her horse standing up in the saddle while the horse was running. In 1945, she graduated from Sugar Grove High School as salutatorian. She married Cecil Johnson, a former schoolmate in 1948. She finally found all eleven of her brothers and sisters in Florida and California and had many happy relations with them.
She enjoyed two trips to Europe with her husband and many trips to Florida to attend NASCAR races. Religion was very important to Helen. She worshiped God in the great outdoors and in the beauty of nature. She had a loving and compassionate heart for her family and friends.
Surviving is her daughter Susie Tolman ( Rex); granddaughter Michelle Ramage and great grandson Tristan Ramage.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Johnson, who died September 8, 2004; a daughter, Sherry (Fritzie) Johnson in February 2005; and her five brothers and seven sisters.
“Mom wrote her obituary thirteen years ago when she went in for open heart surgery at 84 years old. For thirteen years after, she went on to live a life full of love and laughter. She made her home with her daughter and son in law for the last year and half. My wish for everyone is to have a mom like she was. To have a relationship like we shared with so much love and respect. Best mom, best friend. I carry on your strength. ”
At her request, there will be no visitation or funeral service.
To leave a condolence, please visit lindfuneral home.com.