North Hatfield, MA – Wilma Lee Johnson, known to all as Willie, peacefully passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 87.
Born on April 1, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Esther Gast where she was raised on a farm in Earlville, Illinois, as one of nine children. Willie’s journey began in a small one-room schoolhouse and continued with her graduation from Earlville High School. She furthered her education at Wartburg College and Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her degree in Physical Therapy.
In 1962, she married David E Johnson and together they started a life in Arlington and later Hatfield, Massachusetts, raising their two sons, Steve and Jeff. A talented physical therapist turned devoted mother, Willie found joy in various interests. She loved playing cards and was an accomplished bridge player, earning master class points. She loved to collect anything related to cards and especially took pride in her wonderful hummel collection. She also enjoyed her time selling Avon products and cherished the connections made with those she met.
Among her greatest pleasures were the times spent in Maine with family and friends at their camp on Sebago Lake and the lifelong friendships she developed in the CBDIC community there. Living by the motto “One Day at a Time” for over 44 years, Willie was known for her selflessness and unwavering support of others. She dedicated herself to the well-being and growth of her grandchildren, showing immense interest in their education, sports, and activities. She enjoyed playing cards when they visited and would always have a grammy treat for them when they left.
Despite physical challenges as her MS advanced in her later years, her sharp mind and delightful sense of humor never faltered. Witnessing her oldest grandson, Matthew, marry Sophia brought her immense joy, even though she couldn’t be present in person; her spirit was there through video, celebrating their special day.
Willie is survived by her sons, Steven (Elizabeth) of Sudbury, MA, and Jeff (Claire) of Lakeville, MA, along with her grandchildren, Matthew (Sophie), Andrew, Caroline, Timothy, and Catherine. She is also survived by her sisters Dolores, Jean, Karen, and Cyndy, numerous nieces, and nephews. Willie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Dave, and her siblings Harold, Howard, Ramona, and Dona Mae. In loving memory of Willie, may her legacy of kindness and generosity live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
We’d like to thank all the Caregivers that lent tremendous support to Willie over the last many years. It’s because of them that she was able to live her life as she wanted and never leave the comfort of her home in Hatfield where she had the best view of the world from her kitchen table.
An In-House-Service will be held Thursday February19, 2026, beginning at 12 Noon, at the CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME, Calling Hours will precede the service from 10 am to 12 Noon. Please go to CZELUSNIAKFUNERALHOME.COM for online condolences and Tribute book.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Ave Holyoke, MA 01040 or Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice Development Office PO Box 329 Northampton, MA 01061-0329
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