JARS v63n3 - In Memoriam: Freda Olivia Johnson

In Memoriam: Freda Olivia Johnson
Joanne Campbell

Freda Olivia Johnson passed away on June 19, 2008, at the age of 93. She was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on December 6, 1916, to Viggo and Elsie Jorgensen. Freda and her family immigrated to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1920, where she was an honor graduate in high school. Freda was a poet, writer and fabric artist. She worked in grocery stores in Centralia, Wash., to support herself and two children from a first marriage. She married Antone (Tony) Johnson in 1951. Their life was filled with harmonica music, square dancing, volunteer work, dozens of multi-colored knit sweaters they created together, and rhododendrons.

Freda and Tony were active members of the Lewis County Chapter, ARS, and were awarded the chapter's highest award, the Bronze Medal, in 1981. They moved to Shelton in 1985 where they continued active membership in the Shelton Chapter ARS, and harmonica groups. Recently Freda was honored for her many years of service to the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) and was a member of the Shelton Athletic Club where she did water work-outs until the age of 89. Freda attended rhododendron chapter meetings until it became too difficult physically for her to do so. She will be remembered for her cheerful smile and disposition.