Bernadine Johnson

Bernadine Colleen Johnson passed peacefully on November 12, 2010, surrounded by family. She was born September 22, 1943 in Ft. Collins to Bernard and Dorothy Wombacher. Bernadine attended St. Joseph's Catholic school and graduated from FCHS in 1961. It was in high school that she met a handsome boy who would be the love of her life and her husband of nearly 47 years, Kent Johnson. As a teenager, Bernadine volunteered at the hospital as a Candy Striper. She later worked at Mountain Bell and at fabric and thrift stores. After marrying Kent she had a daycare, made crafts and sold them at craft shows, owned a custom sewing business, and served on many boards and committees at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. This was all while working hard as a homemaker, wife, and mother to three children. She especially enjoyed crafts, sewing, and scrapbooking, and found great joy in sharing these activities with all the children in her life. Bernadine lived with Parkinson's disease for 25 years. She served as secretary for the local Parkinson's support group, and received recognition for her efforts to help others suffering from the disease. She had heart surgery in 2001, after which she suffered a stroke that left her partially paralyzed. These challenges didn't stop her, though, as she courageously fought to move forward. She never gave up. She had a contagious smile and was a wonderful source of strength and inspiration to family, friends, and caregivers. Bernadine spent the last five years of her life as a resident at Columbine East and then at Lemay Avenue Health & Rehab. While there, she served as patient advocate, in resident counsel, and started a Parkinson's support group. The family would like to thank all the staff and caregivers at these facilities. They provided loving care to Bernadine and we are very grateful for the care and support she received. Bernadine loved the Lord and was extremely dedicated to her family. She is survived by her husband Kent; her sons Tad (Jona), Dan (Stephanie), and Ric (Shannon); her mother Dorothy, sisters Kathy, Elaine, and Joyce, brother Bernard; grandchildren Alexa, Shelby, Isaac, Skylar, and Jackson; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Bernadine's interment will be at 10:00 a.m. in the courtyard, followed by a celebration of her life, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 2000 Stover Street, Fort Collins at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, November 22, 2010. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bernadine Johnson Memorial Fund in care of Goes Funeral Care.