THORNDIKE – Wilma E. Johnson, 86, wife of the late Arthur F. Johnson, passed away peacefully Dec. 29, 2009, at her home as she wished. Wilma was born June 2, 1923, in Jackson, daughter of William H. and Bertha (Flannery) Amsden. Wilma and Arthur lived in Thorndike for more than 60 years and celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1993. Wilma was a homemaker who worked in Brooks and Freedom in the cannery factories. She and her husband ran a greenhouse for more than 25 years. Wilma enjoyed gardening, flowers, crafts and sewing, making lap robes, diddy bags and table favors for Maine Veterans’ Home, Togus. Wilma served her town as a school board director, town clerk, and chairman of the Republican Party and was serving as the current vice chair. She was also a member of Jackson Congregational Church where she served as a deacon. Wilma also was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 3108, Belfast. She was presented with a lifetime membership card and pin from Benjamin-Berry Post No. 50 American Legion Auxiliary, which was among her proudest accomplishments. She received her 60-year pin from the auxiliary in 2008. Wilma first joined Grant Staples Unit No. 183, Brooks. She received the Distinguished Service Award presented to her by the late Dan Lambert, in 1974. In this department, she served as fourth district president, 1963; department historian, 1968; served at Girl’s State as a counselor for 11 years; president of Grant Staples Auxiliary; and was a president of Waldo County Council. Wilma was also a member of Royal No. 92 Rebekahs, Monroe and received the Decoration of Chivalry in 2001. She was also a member of Monroe Extension, Tri County Button Club, Troy Senior Citizens, Thorndike Fire Department Auxiliary and Red Hat Society. Wilma was predeceased by her parents; three sisters, Beulah Ward, Helen Gill and Nina Marriner; and a very precious granddaughter, Trisha Johnson of Thorndike. Wilma is survived by her sister, Eleanor Bennett of Waldo; her devoted children and their wives, Richard and Dorothy Johnson of Jackson, and William and Linda Johnson of Thorndike; her beloved grandchildren, Tanya and Everett Williams of Jackson, Gene and Tammy Johnson of Jackson, Jason and Heidi Johnson of Unity, Julie and John Evenson of Portage, Alaska, Travis and Patty Johnson of Thorndike, Heidi and Joe Danna of Jackson, Holly and Ray St. Onge of Jackson, Wayne Johnson of Rockland, Tobey Johnson of Rockland, Brian, Aaliyah and Jenna Johnson of Thorndike; great-grandchildren, Natasha and Caleb Johnson of Jackson, Arthur, Audrey and Arika Williams and Armia Curtis of Jackson, Mert and Joey Danna of Jackson, Sam and Anna St. Onge of Jackson, Alyson Johnson of Thorndike, Melissa Saucier of Berwick; and great-great-granddaughter, Lilly Ann Tripp of Berwick. She is also survived by her extended family members, Carol Johnson and Skip Philbrick of Brooks. Friends and family may call 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast, where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday with Liz Sullivan officiating. Interment will be after at Jackson Corner Cemetery. Online condolences may be placed at www.crabielripostafuneralhome.com.
WILMA E. JOHNSON
