Monterey ~ Florence Catherine O’Banion Johnson, matriarch and last of the Greatest Generation in her family, passed away at age 90, surrounded by loved ones. Catherine was born in Vancouver, Wash. She was blessed with beauty, intelligence, and a loving spirit that radiated through her beautiful smile and clear blue eyes. An exceptional child, Catherine was self-reliant and responsible at an early age due to her father’s untimely death. She coped with the sadness and hardship by being courageous and optimistic, and was always eager to help and serve others. She was like that all her life.
In her youth, Catherine was a serious student and a competitive athlete. She was valedictorian of her high school class in 1938 and attended Washington State University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and worked in the registrar’s office to pay for school. Catherine left college early, accepting the position of executive secretary in her hometown bank to help support her family.
In 1940, Catherine met the love of her life, Lester B. Johnson of Olympia, Wash., a WSU alumni and commissioned second lieutenant in the Regular U.S. Army. They married in 1941. Except for long separations during WWII and the Korean War, the two were a team and Catherine loved being an army wife. She thrived on the camaraderie, traditions, and adventurous lifestyle of the military. Wherever they went, Catherine created a beautiful, comfortable home decorated with memories of the places they had lived. She enjoyed entertaining and was a gracious hostess. Catherine devoted herself to helping Lester be successful and she succeeded.
Catherine was also devoted to her three daughters. Catherine was their teacher, companion, and friend. Her love and support brought stability to the ever-changing landscape of their lives—at Fort Benning, Fort Lewis, Presidio of San Francisco, Fort Leavenworth, Fort Dix, Presidio of Monterey and overseas in Germany, Japan, and Iran. During these years, Catherine also made time to volunteer in leadership positions for the Officers’ Wives Club, Girl Scouts of America, and American Red Cross. She was the Registrar for three years at the American School in Tehran, where she encouraged students to continue their education and helped them with their college applications.
In 1970, Lester retired as a full colonel. In 1975, they moved to Monterey, where they enjoyed old and new friendships and fulfilled their dream of golfing almost every day, even after Lester became an amputee. For over 20 years, Catherine was dedicated to helping him manage his complex diabetic condition, including the eventual loss of his other leg. She always found joy in their being together and in making their home a sanctuary for their family. Catherine’s radiant presence is gone, but her beautiful spirit will always be with us.
Catherine is survived by her daughters, Marcia Zier (William Harless) of Bethesda, MD, and Denise Bondy (Dana) of Marietta, GA; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two nieces and one nephew. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years and eldest daughter, Caryl Heitsch; her dear brother, James, and sister-in-law, Florence Jane.
A memorial service will be held this Saturday, August 27, at 11:00AM at St. John’s Chapel in Monterey. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John’s Chapel, 1490 Mark Thomas Dr., Monterey, CA 93940 or the WSU Foundation (designated for the Kappa Alpha Theta Fund/Florence Catherine Johnson Memorial), P.O. Box 641925, Pullman, WA 99164.
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