Obituary of Sheila F. Johnson
It is with profound sadness that the family of Sheila (Fogarty) Johnson, announce her sudden passing on November 16, 2024 at the age of 81, at her home in Brooklyn, CT.
She leaves behind her children: Kirsten (Michael) Dumaresq of Kensington, NH; Gavin (Melissa) Johnson of Brooklyn, CT; Brendan (Kirsten) Johnson of Thompson, CT; and Brian T (Joanna) Johnson of Sutton, MA. As well as her beloved grandchildren: Molly, Neve, Briant, Jack, Hailey, Dylan and Gwyneth. She was predeceased in death by her husband and best friend, Brian (1998); her granddaughter Jade (2018); and her brother Shawn (2023).
Sheila was born January 29, 1943 in Bridgeport, CT to the late John and Rita (Keeney) Fogarty. She grew up in the small town of Georgetown, CT and it was there that she met Brian Johnson, the love of her life, who she was married to for 33 years until his sudden passing.
She was an educator and lifelong learner. She graduated from Danbury High School in 1960 and went on to earn degrees from: Marietta College, Marietta, OH (BA in English/Journalism - 1965); Eastern Connecticut State University, Windham, CT (MS in English Education - 1991); and Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA (MA in Creative Writing - 2001).
She had several different career paths: Executive Director - ARC of Quinebaug Valley; Assistant Director - New London County Head Start; Human Resource Director - United Services, but her true passion was teaching. Her greatest joy was teaching the children of Killingly and Brooklyn as an English and Journalism teacher at Killingly High School and Killingly Intermediate School.
Her activities included: Brooklyn Board of Education for 10 years; Eastconn Board; Our Lady of LaSalette Church - lector, CCD teacher, and parish council; KHS Class of 2002 class advisor; Northeastern Connecticut Writers; LIR (Learning in Retirement); Bridge; and Killingly Book Club. But, her favorite activity was being her grandchildren’s biggest fan and cheerleader at all of their sporting events and activities.
She was a thoughtful and caring person, who enjoyed spending time with people of all ages. She had the ability to touch people’s lives in positive ways: encouraging, nurturing and supporting people during difficult times and celebrating with them in their moments of triumph. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.
“Until we meet again may God hold you in the hollow of His hands”.
Please join us in celebrating her life and reunion with her beloved husband. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 2-5pm at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St, Danielson, CT. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 11am at Our Lady of LaSalette Church, 25 Providence Rd, Brooklyn, CT.
Memorial donations may be made in Sheila’s name to her granddaughter’s memorial scholarship fund: https://gofund.me/1787ad06, or checks can be sent to: Jade Ariel Nicholls Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 427, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Share a memory at Gagnonandcostellofh.com