Susan J. Johnson

Susan J. “Sue” Johnson – 58 – of Church St. Court, Hornell, died unexpectedly on Monday (January 27, 2014) at her home.

Born in Buffalo, NY on May 28, 1955, she was the daughter of Dr. Richard & Nancy (Knapp) Smith.

Sue grew up in Bath, NY and was a graduate of Bath Haverling High School (class of 1973).  She attended Alfred State College and later obtained her Registered Nurse’s License at St. James School of Nursing. 

For several years, Sue was employed as a secretary at Shults & Shults Law Office in Hornell.  She also was employed for several years as a registered nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital.

Sue had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a member of St. Ann’s Church.  More recently, she attended Bible Study at the Community Center of Church Street Court.  She loved to knit, crochet, read, arts & crafts, watch movies, talk about life, and cherished spending time with her family and many friends, including, Sissy & Dan Mahoney.  Recently, Sue was proud and excited to have become a member of the Hornell YMCA.  

Sue was the second oldest of five beautiful sisters, who shared a special bond.  Sue knew exactly what love was — how to give love and how to receive love!!!  She had a contagious laugh and was known for her wonderful sense of humor.  Sue was without a doubt, her children’s biggest fan, taking pride in everything they do.  Over the years, Sue loved attending each and every one of her oldest son Kyle’s sporting events.  It was always Sue rooting the loudest.  She had a genuine love of music and truly loved watching her youngest son, Kurt, perform with his many bands.  She could always be found “front & center” dancing, smiling and simply having a great time.  Sue was extremely proud of her daughter, Keegan and the wonderful wife & mother that she is.  She absolutely adored her 2 beautiful granddaughters, and they adored her just as much.  Grandma Sue cherished every minute she spent with them, and they brought each other such joy. 

In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Eichler; her brother-in-law, Alan Eichler; and her nephew, Graham Andrus.

Surviving are her “K-Kids” who she loved “a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck” — daughter, Keegan Eliza (Tim) Manchester of Leominster, MA; sons, Kyle Jeffery (Brittney Tracy) Johnson of Rochester and Kurt Greggery Johnson of Rochester; her former husband & friend, Jeffery (Carla) Johnson of Hornell; 3 sisters, Anne (Warren) Smith Abbey of Bath, Karen (Tom) Andrus of Bath and Kathy (Dan Crossman) Smith of Bath; her grandchildren Anna Susan Manchester and Katherine Lucille Manchester (who she loved & adored); her aunts, Helen Jane Bartron, Sister Mary Jean Smith and Lucille Knapp; father-in-law, William “Wallboard” (Arlene Dennis) Johnson; in-laws, William (Gail) Johnson and Greggery (Liz) Johnson; her beloved nieces & nephews, Vanessa (Dan) Spitulnik, Jaime (Scott) Milanovich, Matthew (Amanda) Johnson, Erica (Joe) Saliceti, Jade Andrus & Brandon Mambelli; along with several cousins, great nieces and nephews.

The family of Susan J. “Sue” Johnson will receive friends on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Sue’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Hornell YMCA Music & Arts Center, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here.

18 Responses to “Susan J. Johnson”

  1. Krystin & Earl Martin & family says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Johnson family this week as you mourn the loss of such a beautiful, friendly, and kind woman. We will never forget our time spent with her at the Manchester’s house, specifically this past summer as we laughed and enjoyed each others’ company with the kids around us. It was so obvious that Sue loved her children and granddaughters more than anything, and she was always so kind to our own three kids, loving on them and so delighted to spend time with us. It meant so much. We love you all and wish you peace and strength over the next days, months, and years. xoxo

  2. Diane Opelt says:

    I have so man fun memories with Sue from out teens. Very sad to hear that she is no longer here. Heartfelt thoughts to all of us who knew her and especially to her family.

    Diane Opelt

  3. Adele Bohenko says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are so very sorry for your loss.
    The Bohenko Family

  4. Tim & Sharon Haley says:

    Such a sweet and gentle soul has left this earth. Sue always had a smile that made you feel so welcome. Her strength and Love of her family was to be admired and the care she gave to others is something Sues’ family can be proud of. Memories and Great times we spent when the K-Kids were growing up will always be it our hearts. God grant you the comfort in knowing she will never be forgotten. Love and Peace to all of Sues’ family. Wish we could hug you all. Always know you are in our prayers and thoughts. Tim and Sharon Haley and Family.

  5. Connie Palmer says:

    My condolences to the Smith and Johnson family. You have lost someone very special. Prayers for all.

  6. Holly (Caddell) Eschberger says:

    My heartfelt prayers extend to Sue’s children, grandchildren, family and friends. Sue was a lovely woman who I have very fond memories of from growing up on Fulton Street. May you all be comforted by special memories and by her spirit surrounding you always.

  7. Jennifer Galusha says:

    We met Sue through my mom and haven’t known her very long, but in the short while we did know her she was a wonderful women. I am glad to have met her. She always had a smile on her face and was sweet to my children. We will miss seeing her. All of her family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

  8. Kim Clifford Wood says:

    My prayers and thoughts of sympathy to you all. I worked with Sue at St. James many yrs ago, right after she graduated from Nursing School…she was great to work with (I was a unit secretary then). May you feel God’s comfort today and in the days ahead. I am so sorry for your loss. In sympathy….. Kim Wood

  9. Karl Cook says:

    As a close friend of the family many years ago, I’ve looked forward to a day when we might meet again to reminisce, to hear her spirited laughter and to witness again her sense of humor and love for life. My truly heartfelt condolences go out to her family and to all who have known and have shared her presence. She will no doubt be missed.

  10. Joanie Livingston Shabala says:

    So sad to hear about Sue’s passing..Amazing and Loving Woman..RIP

  11. Barbara Perkins says:

    A message to Sue’s children, their significant others, her grandchildren, sisters, family and friends. She loved and sincerely cherished all of you.
    I would like to express my sincere thank you for having the unique opportunity to have had the experience of growing up with Sue and her family during our formative years.
    Sue created many “Life’s Moments”, which are the rare opportunities to make a difference an another souls life. Continue the legacy in her honor. Remember the wonderful memories, no one can take those away from you. Take Good Care of Each Other!

  12. Bob Perkins says:

    On behalf of the entire Perkins family we offer our condolences to the Smith and Johnson families on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we will always remember Sue for the beautiful and kind person she was.

  13. Deborah Collins says:

    Sue has changed so meny lives just by being herself. That smileand takeing time to talk to u. My prayers are to all of youallHKYPY

  14. David Reynolds says:

    I am truly saddened to hear of Sue’s passing. I have many fun memories of her from high school and will never forget that smile and laugh. To all her family and friends please accept my condolences….my heart goes out to you.

  15. Robert & Denise Renouf says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss…..mother, grandmother,sister,friend, Sue will be greatly missed by all…much love to the family……the neighbors over the fence….

  16. Kristen and Parrish Kelley says:

    We met Sue through her oldest granddaughter Anna; our son is Anna’s age and they have grown up together, along with the Martin clan, for the pas 5 years. We were able to get to know Sue at each of the girls’ birthday parties and numerous summer gatherings. She was so kind and treated many of Anna and Katherine’s friends as her own and remembered all of their names and always commented on their growth and individual strengths. Sue was an amazingly kind and caring woman who will definitely be missed but never forgotten. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to her family during such a difficult time. Please find some peace in the fact that her beautiful spirit will live on in her children and grandchildren. We love all of you!

  17. Karen Walsh Fortin says:

    Dear Keegan and Family,

    I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I hope the love which surrounds you from family and friends and give you some comfort.
    With much love,
    Karen

  18. Kevin Fagan says:

    In Susan’s photograph, I see the peace of being with God shining through in her Grandmother Mary’s face. To quote Arthur Schopenhauer, “Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the worth of things.” My thoughts and prayers go out to those who suffer the loss, yet reap the joy of having had Susan in their lives. Special thoughts and prayers to Sister Mary Jean, who was a comfort during our family’s loss.