Susan (Frantz) Johnson

Susan Frantz Johnson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on April 17, 2018, surrounded by family. She was predeceased, only two weeks prior, by her husband of 68 years and life-partner, Richard R. Johnson. Susan recently celebrated her 90th birthday at home with her husband and family. Susan was born on April 1, 1928, in Clearfield, PA, a daughter of the late Dr. Jacob Paul and Mary (Hay) Graff Frantz. Susan was the youngest of five children. She attended the Women’s College at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and completing her undergraduate studies in pre-med. During her time at the University of Pennsylvania, she met the love of her life, Richard. Susan and Richard graduated in 1950 and were married on June 24 of that year. They made their home in Wethersfield, CT and had four children together. In addition to being a homemaker, devoted to her family, Susan worked as a teacher’s assistant/Para-Professional in Wethersfield’s school system for many years. Susan thrived in this role because of her kindness, love, and genuine care for her students. Susan was a lifelong member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, CT. Susan participated in the Capitol Towers Committee, Home Builders, and was a Sunday School teacher. She was a faithful participant in weekly Bible study meetings, where she was never shy to voice her vast knowledge of her faith. Susan also enjoyed reading, bridge, walking her dog, gardening, travel, Garden Club, crossword puzzles, and just being with family. First and foremost in Susan’s life was her family. She loved family gatherings where Susan could spend time with her beloved children and grandchildren. She always held a warm spot in her heart for her home town of Clearfield, PA, which she would regularly visit. Susan is survived by her children, Mary Johnson Few of Manchester, CT, Susan Johnson Kasmarzyk and her husband William Kasmarzyk of South Windsor, CT, and David Johnson and his wife Wendi Aiello Johnson of Wethersfield, CT. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Jessica, Ashley, Brendan, Jennifer, Laura, Christopher, Jacob, Luke, and Samuel, and eight great-grandchildren, Joanna, Deanna, Savanna, Sebastian, Matthias, Julian, Jazia, and Linnea. She also leaves her much-loved dog, Mandee. She was predeceased by her husband, her infant son, Richard R. Johnson, Jr., and her son-in-law, Thomas Few. A private memorial service will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, CT. Her ashes will be placed along with her husband’s in the Church Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church. Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home of West Hartford, CT, has care of arrangements.