Obituary of Barbara M. Johnson

Barbara Mercelis Johnson, age 82, passed away on Monday July 21, 2014 at JFK Medical Center in Edison. Born in Plainfield, Mrs. Johnson had resided there her entire life. Mrs. Johnson received a Bachelor's Degree in English from Bucknell University in 1954. She married her husband, Samuel William Johnson, on March 9, 1955. Together they raised five children, and she loved spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed vacationing at Lake George in NY where she could relax and laugh with family members. Mrs. Johnson was fond of nature, gardening and loved animals, especially dogs. She was also an avid reader. She will be fondly remembered for her thoughtful reflections, kindness, devotion to her family, compassion for others, strength and positive outlook. She was a mother to all who knew her, and always put others before herself, making her an inspiration to all. She was predeceased by her sister Betsy Mercelis and her parents, Lester and Marion Mercelis. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Samuel Johnson; five children William Johnson, Susan Allen and her husband David, Jill Carey and her husband Edward, Darby Flood and her husband Gene and Jeff Johnson and his wife Caryn. She is also survived by eight grandchildren Katie, Edward and Barbara Carey; Gene, Sam and Olivia Flood and Trey and Julia Johnson. The family would like to thank the physicians and staff of ManorCare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Providence, N.J. and JFK Hospital in Edison, N.J. for their care and support of Mrs. Johnson. Funeral services are private and under the direction of Higgins Home for Funerals Plainfield NJ. Please visit higginsfuneralhome.com to send condolences. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the ASPCA, Plainfield Area Humane Society, American Cancer Society or the World Wildlife Fund.