Anna E. Johnson

Johnson, Anna Eugena Bertsche, “Gina” passed away at the age of 91 on Friday, March 18th, 2016. She was born on August 20th, 1924 to Arnold and Elizabeth Bertsche. She was predeceased by her dear husband of 51 years, Richard A. Johnson on June 16th, 1999 and her infant daughter, Theresa Marie on Christmas day, 1963. She is the last living sibling of her family. Surviving are her children: Margaret Grace “ Peggy” Johnson of Elmira, NY, Richard C. Johnson, John (Zsuzsanna Kristof) Johnson of Watervliet, NY, Mary Ann (Robert) Philpott of Pine City, NY, Vincent Johnson of Asheville, NC; 23 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Anna grew up as a coalminer’s daughter in Antrim, PA. She was the 8th of 9 children. She graduated from Wellsboro High School and was a faithful, attentive, loving mother, wife and grandmother. She was a very devoted Roman Catholic, the hallmark of her life. Gina loved practicing her faith, reading spiritual books and enjoying nature. She was an adorer at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Casimir’s from its opening until she could no longer physically attend. She especially held fond memories of hills of Pennsylvania and the family life she had there where she grew up. She, at one time, loved to paint with oils. Birds and flowers, especially roses, were her favorite subjects, capturing their beauty with great detail and wonder. Family and friends are invited to gather for her Mass of Christian Burial at the St. Casimir’s Church, 1000 Davis Street, Elmira, NY. Monday March 21st, 2016 at 10:00AM. Private graveside services will be held at a time convenient with the family in the Woodlawn National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her dearly departed husband and dear friend from childhood. In lieu of flowers, please submit donations in her memory to Chemung Valley 4 Life, P.O. Box #5, Big Flats, NY 14814. Anna was always a defender and promoter of the life of the preborn. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to her devoted caregivers on the fifth Floor, St. Joseph’s Hospital and her spiritual caregivers: Deacon George Welch, Father Erb, Father Scott Kubinski and the visiting assistant chaplains, Eucharistic ministers and volunteers.