Sandra Lynn Johnson

Sandra Lynn Johnson (Cohn), 77, passed away on July 6, 2024, at Salem Hospital. Sandy was born on October 31, 1946, in McMinnville, OR, to Donna Charlene (Johnston) and Maurice Leon Cohn. On September 21, 1968, she married the love of her life, Paul Benton Johnson. Sandy and Paul’s pride and joy are their sons: Jeff and Greg.

Sandy cherished hosting family gatherings and engaging in heartfelt conversations with family and friends. She was known for her giving nature and positive spirit, and her laughter was infectious. Sandy expressed her creative talents through interior design and floral arrangements and was always informed about current affairs. She loved taking day trips to the beach with Paul, enjoying clam chowder, saltwater taffy, and caramel corn while watching the ocean. One of her later joys in life was picking out Legos to surprise her great-nephew during family gatherings. Sandy's bright personality endeared her to all who knew her even at a young age when she was crowned Little Queen in the Portland Oregonian.

Sandy’s career fit her personality. Early in her career, she worked for the Oregon State Department of Agriculture in the livestock division and business administration where her manager noted her personality was effervescent. She also worked for the State Public Welfare Commission as a clerk. After raising her young boys, Sandy returned to the workforce as an entrepreneur opening a consignment shop with two partners, Wee Three, in Beaverton, OR. As a sales and service manager at AT&T Language Line, Sandy managed many employees and was known for her excellent people skills and leadership. In retirement, she dedicated her time to volunteering for Salem Meals on Wheels.

Sandy was a beloved matriarch and the heart of her surviving family: her husband, Paul Benton Johnson; sons, Jeffrey Todd Johnson (Michelle Rosier) and Gregory Scott Johnson; siblings, Linda Muriel (Gaylord) Swanson, Deborah Diane (Patrick) Pine, and Alan Kent (Greta Horn) Cohn; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Sandy's memory will live on with those who loved her. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 13, at the family home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Marion Polk Food Share/Meals on Wheels, NAMI, National Kidney Association, or the Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus.