Susan Linda Johnson's Obituary
Our Susan Linda Johnson was born on March 29th, 1941 in Centralia, Washington and died in Lakewood, Washington at St. Clare Hospital, under the loving attention of family and nurses. She was raised in Chehalis, Washington, attending St. Joseph’s elementary school program and later, St. Mary’s academy, in Toledo, Washington. Susan attended Seattle University, obtaining a degree in English, before teaching high school Honors English at Kent Meridian and then Lakes. In 1964 she met her husband of sixty years, Michael. They married on June 11, 1966 and lived in Seattle until 1967 when they moved to the Tacoma area. In 1969 Susan and Michael purchased their forever home, in Lakewood, where they raised their children- Andrew (1970) , Rachel (1972), and Rick (1975).
Susan was an accomplished pianist for half of her life; she enjoyed playing classical piano until the demands of family intervened. A lifelong learner, who valued education in all its forms, Susan obtained a master’s degree in Testing and Counseling, from the University of Puget Sound, all while raising her three children. Later in her career she became a testing and counseling specialist at Bates Vocational School in Tacoma, administering and supporting the development and expansion of the testing center there. Over the course of her lifetime, working and retired, Susan and Michael’s home generously supported the growth of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over the years, Susan and Michael provided nourishment, attention, and shelter to their loved ones. Michael and Susan used their resources to champion their family, friends, and community. Susan and Michael enjoyed many trips together, most notably their excursions in the 2,000’s, in which they travelled to Japan and Europe. Locally, Susan enjoyed gardening for many years. Susan’s passion for theatre and “the arts” was sustained. She and Michael enjoyed many theatre productions and symphonies together, often with friends.
Friendship and social engagement were precious to Susan. She deeply valued her relationships. Susan’s calm, dependable, and attentive nature encouraged others to pursue their highest good and she could often be heard speaking highly of her siblings, folks from prayer circle, book club, bridge group, and others that she connected to. Through her daily practice of Qi Gong and Tai Chi, as well as her love of reiki, Susan depended tremendously on her faith and spirituality to enrich her life and the lives of others. Although Susan practiced Catholicism, she referred to religion as a vehicle, and had deep respect for, and engagement with Eastern traditions and philosophies. In addition to showing up for friends, family, and community, Susan showed up for herself. She was meticulous in managing the house accounts as well as her health. Susan was known to engage deliberately and predictably, most notably with nutritional and medical treatments. Susan pursued a high quality of life in support of holistic wellbeing and did so with a spirit of quiet determination and reverence. To everyone who knew her, Susan was a source of kindness, patience, and wisdom. Her metered and deliberate pacing remains a shining example of how to care for ourselves and others in a hurried and fragmented time. Susan is survived by her husband, Michael, as well as her three children, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren- all who continue to love, admire, and deeply respect her.
Funeral Mass and reception to take place at St. Frances Cabrini, in Lakewood, WA at 11 am on June 12th, 2026.
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