Elizabeth M. Johnson

Elizabeth M. Johnson, 86 years old, of Sanford, ME died Monday, September 17, 2007 at the H.D. Goodall Hospital in Sanford. Mrs. Johnson was born on March 15, 1921 in Sanford, ME. She was the daughter of the late Leslie and Mary Withycombe MacKay. Mrs. Johnson attended Sanford schools and was a graduate of Sanford High School.When her children were young, Elizabeth focused on raising her family and served as a volunteer for a number of groups including the Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts and other youth organizations in which her children were involved. "My mother showed me at an early age what it meant to help others," her son Lloyd said, "As we traveled from store to store collecting canisters for a local young man suffering from leukemia." Along with her husband, Elizabeth took her children camping not only to numerous places in Maine but across the country. This included a five-week camping trip to Alaska in 1956 that was highlighted in Readers Digest and Travel magazine. Camping and gardening were two of the many ways Elizabeth shared her love of nature. She was also an excellent seamstress. Nancy, her daughter, remembers her putting an elaborate prom dress together in just two days.When her children were older, Elizabeth returned to work as a librarian at the Goodall Library and Sanford High School where she made many friends among both adolescents and adults. Her love of crafts led her to experiment with various artistic forms including stenciling and painting. The involvement in a painting club was one of her great joys. The results of her craft efforts were often found under the Christmas tree much to the delight of family members.After her husband retired, the two of them traveled the world seeing many beautiful places. Both were avid photographers and the resulting slide shows became legendary. Elizabeth's children meant so much to her and the recent arrival of her first great grandchild gave her immense joy. She enjoyed family gatherings especially the 4th of July extended family picnic after the Sanford parade. Later, Elizabeth spent many years being caregiver to her mother and to her husband. Her previous commitment was returned this past year when her grandaughter Mary provided such excellent care for her during a time of poor health thus permitting Elizabeth to stay in her home.She was a life long member of Eastern Star and the First Parish Congregational Church of Sanford. Her love of nature and animals was a enduring gift that she shared with family, friends, and those animals in need.Predeceasing Mrs. Johnson was her husband Russell G. Johnson and a sister Nancy MacKay Young.Surviving is her daughter Nancy Herron and her husband Dick of Coventry, RI; two sons, John W. Hunt Jr. and his wife Kim of Springvale, ME, Lloyd L. Hunt and his wife Sue of Saco, ME; five grandchildren, Christopher and Mary Herron, Shelley Taylor, Zachary Hunt, and Scott Libby. Also surviving is a great grandson Russell Christopher Payson Taylor, and several nieces and nephews.At Mrs. Johnson's request services will be held privately at the convenience of her family.For those that desire to send memorial contributions the Johnson Family suggests they be made to Charley's Strays, PO Box 64, Clinton, ME 04927-064, or the Animal Welfare Society, PO Box 43, Old Holland Rd. W. Kennebunk, ME 04094.Services for Mrs. Johnson have been arranged through the Carll-Heald & Black funeral Home.To leave a message of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.