Thelma Johnson

TOWNSHEND- Thelma Ellen Johnson, 94, of Grafton Road, died Saturday, August 18, at her home following a period of declining health.
Mrs. Johnson was born in Wilmington on August 31, 1923, the daughter of Clarence and Gladys (Woods) Thomas. She attended Wilmington schools and was a graduate of Wilmington High School.
Mrs. Johnson had been employed as a lens inspector at the former American Optical Company in Brattleboro , from where she retired following many years of faithful service with the company. Previously she had worked at the former H. Margolin Pocketbook Factory in Brattleboro.
Mrs. Johnson was a former communicant of Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro and more recently had attended the Green Mountain Chapel of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445, the American Legion Auxiliary, Brattleboro Post #5,  and the VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post #1034.
Mrs. Johnson loved to dance and held membership in the Silver Lines Senior Clog Dancing Club. Of her other interests, she enjoyed traveling, taking cruises, and trips to Atlantic City and Foxwoods. She also enjoyed knitting, listening to country and  western music, and spending time with her family and friends.
She was first married to John Santasania who preceded her in death. She later married Harold Johnson who is also deceased.
Survivors include one daughter, Catherine Barker, of Brookline; two sons, Thomas Sanasania, of California, and Mark Santasania, of Northampton, MA; and two step-daughters, Patty Hamilton,  of West Brattleboro, and Diane Parker, of Easthampton, CT.
Additionally, she leaves seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, John Santasania, a sister, Evelyn Stone, and two brothers, Everett Thomas and Clarence Thomas Jr.
A memorial service in celebration of her life will be conducted Sunday, September 9,  at 2 pm at the Green Mountain Chapel on Western Avenue in Brattleboro with Pastor Bill Steele officiating.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Rescue Inc., PO Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To sign an online register book visit www.atamaniuk.com.