NEW MILFORD—Janine F. (Grimes) Johnson, 84, of New Milford passed away November 2, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was married to Eric H. Johnson, Jr. for 62 years. Janine was born in Newark, NJ, on July 15, 1939 to the late Frank and Jean (McCandless) Grimes. Later relocated to Kent, she was raised by her mother, Jean, and Eugene Bull. She worked for many years as the kitchen manager at Schaghticoke Middle School and later ran the deli at Morey’s and Crosstown IGA. She also worked many summers at Clamps Hamburger Stand and fall and winter seasons at Fieldstone Nursery, making wreaths and flower arrangements.
She touched the lives of many students of the New Milford High School Class of 1980 as a JV cheerleading coach and as an avid school sports supporter.
She was a member of the Palm Rebekah Lodge Number 43 for 37 years. Her family reflects on the many meals she prepared perfectly. She truly enjoyed cooking, quilting and gardening.
Janine will be missed by her husband, Eric, her sons, Eric H. Johnson, III (Amantha), of Mississippi, Brian R. Johnson of New Milford, her grandchildren, Connell, Mabry, Jacob and Aubrey, her sister, Cynthia Osborne, (Rick), a niece, Emmaline Osborne (Michael Rost) and their two children, Delilah and Everett Rost, all of Kent, and Tricia Johnson, beloved family member who helped care for her. She will also be missed by her cat, Baby. In addition to her parents, Janine was predeceased by a sister, Marcy Singhaus.
Her family and friends are invited to Lillis Funeral Home 58 Bridge St. New Milford, Connecticut Friday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A Celebration of Life and a Rebekah Funeral Ceremony will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Oddfellows Good Shepherd Lodge No. 65, 25 Danbury Road, New Milford, with light refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made in her name to the Good Shepherd and Rebecca Lodge Scholarship Fund.
