Sandra S. Johnson

Sandra S. Johnson of Hadlyme peacefully took the Lord’s hand on December 12, 2016, surrounded by friends and family. The eldest child of Stewart A. and Bertha (Parker) Sherburne, Sandra was born in Woburn, Mass., December 2, 1926.

Following graduation from Woburn High School in 1944, Sandra modeled in Boston while attending the Katharine Gibbs school where she learned the secretarial and administrative skills that would serve her the rest of her life. In 1949, she married Donald E. Johnson of Winchester, Mass.

Beginning married life in Woburn, Sandra and Don soon moved to Portland, Maine, and then to New Haven, Conn. With stops in Watertown and Clinton, the Johnsons bought their first home in Old Saybrook in 1959, a town they would call home for over 40 years.

Always community minded, Sandra served with the Welcome Wagon, participated in town Republican politics, recorded minutes for several town boards and committees, was a Sunday school teacher and Den Mother. Her Buick station wagon was constantly hauling her three sons and their friends to sporting events, parades and camporees.

Beginning her professional career as a secretary to local attorney Daniel F. Flynn, Sandra was one of the original incorporators of Johnny Cake, Inc. which would eventually morph into today’s Resources Management Corp. Sandra’s insight, hard work and organizational skills served her well. In 1981 she was named Vice President of RMC including the John G. Martin Foundation. She remained in these posts until her retirement in 1993. She served on the Board of Directors until September of this year.

Predeceased by her husband Donald in 2007, Sandra is survived by her brother Capt. Gilbert P. Sherburne, USCG (ret.) and his wife Phyllis of Naples, Florida, and her three sons and their families – Col. Kyle S. Johnson, USAF (ret.) and his wife Yongi of Bargersville, Indiana, Jay W. Johnson of Old Lyme, and Lance E. Johnson and his wife Cheryl of Durham, Conn. A continuing source of pride and joy for Sandra are her grandchildren, Nicole, Shawn, Erikka, Alexandra, and Erik Johnson, Raymond McCarter and Ashley Campany. Mention any of her eight great grandchildren and Sandra was sure to smile. Our grief is tempered by an abiding faith in the sacrifice of the Crucifixion and the promise of the Resurrection.

Arrangements are being handled by the Swan Funeral Home of Old Saybrook. Sandra believed fervently that life is for the living; there will be no calling hours in accordance with her wishes. Those wishing to celebrate Sandra’s life are urged to make their memorial contributions to their local Scouting organizations, volunteer ambulance/fire departments or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The family plans a spring inurnment and memorial service at Woodbrook Cemetery in Woburn, Mass.