Eileen Johnson Obituary (1917

WINTHROP - Eileen B. Johnson, 86, died at her home on Tuesday, March 9, 2004, with her family by her bedside. She was born in Hartland on Aug. 22, 1917, the daughter of Arthur A. and A. Beatrice (Carey) Baird. Eileen graduated from Hartland Academy, where she excelled as a member of the debate team, and attended Gates Business School in Augusta. She was employed, for many years, as a secretary for the Maine Lung Association, Winthrop High School guidance department, Sach's & O'Gara Law Office, Depositors Trust Co., and in various free-lance capacities. Eileen's courage and spirit in raising four children on her own after the loss of her husband, Jim, was an inspiration to all who knew her. She taught her children love of God, love of music, love of nature and love and acceptance for all people. For 47 years, her Royal Street kitchen was an oasis of warmth, peace, joy and humor for her large family and countless extended family and friends. Her physical strength dwindled in her last months, but her spirit, wit, faith and love shone strong until the very end. Eileen was predeceased by her first husband, Daniel Bigley; the love of her life, her husband, James J. Johnson; and a brother, Ralph 'Bob' Baird. She is survived by one daughter, Virginia Stanhope and her husband, Jerome, of Hallowell; four sons, Daniel Bigley and his wife, Zoe, of Wiscasett, James Johnson Jr. and his wife, Robin, of Waterville, John Johnson of Winthrop, and Charles Johnson and his wife, Tonya, of Oxford; one brother, Arthur 'Dick' Baird, of Augusta; one sister, Harriett Warren, of Boothbay; seven grandchildren, Major Gregory Bigley and his wife, Cathryn, Geoffrey Bigley and his wife, Holly, Michael Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Joseph Stanhope, Emily Johnson and Zachary Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Eileen was known as Ma Johnson by many, especially by her 'other sons,' Peter Danforth, Hartley Palleschi and Jim Vickerson. Relatives and friends are invited to visit 7-9 p.m. Friday at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Winthrop, with the Rev. Brian Blanchette, celebrant. Burial will be held in the spring at Glenside Cemetery, Winthrop. www.khrfuneralhomes.com