Patricia A. Johnson, 82, of Burlington, passed away at her daughter’s home on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, after a strong battle with pancreatic cancer.
Patricia was born in Aurora, Illinois on June 5, 1940, to George Simpson and Jane (Van Buskirk Simpson) McDonald. Her early life was spent in Aurora where she graduated from West Aurora High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Art, with a minor in Spanish, from MacMurray College and her master’s degree in education from St. Louis University. On June 23, 1962, at New England Congregational Church in Aurora, she was united in marriage to William “Bill” John Johnson. Following marriage, they resided in Oswego and Aurora, but their summers were mainly spent at their cabin in Wisconsin. In 2006, Pat retired from teaching and she and Bill moved to Burlington full time. Bill preceded her in death on Nov. 17, 2011.
Patricia worked as a high school Spanish teacher for West Aurora School District 129. She thrived at teaching and met lifelong friends whose bonds were as strong as family. She was a former member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Aurora and a current member of Plymouth Church in Burlington. She was a member of a card club and a book club, through which she enjoyed meeting new friends who became yet another extension of her family. She spent countless hours volunteering her time at the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, the Gift Shop at Burlington Memorial Hospital, and preparing care packages for underprivileged families and the military through Plymouth Church. While her garden never had a weed, and her lawn was always immaculate, her favorite summer pastime was spending her days at the beach in Cedar Park.
Patricia is survived by her daughter, Molly (Ken Kissinger) Harris; grandchildren, Skyler and Jack Harris, Patrick (Meredith) Johnson, Nick (Casie) Fischer and Connor and Carson Kissinger; and great-grandchildren, Matthew and Alex Johnson, and Torryn, Nadalia and Nicholas “Nico” Fischer. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, son Michael William Johnson and brother Michael Earl Simpson.
The family would like to thank Dr. Haider and the staff at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center for their tremendous care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to A+ Foundation for West Aurora Schools C/O Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, 1877 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506. For memorials, provide honoree’s name, family contact and mailing address, or visit https://www.cffrv.org/profile/a-plus-fund/. Donations may also be made to the donor’s choice.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Noon at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 3 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Funeral Home. Patricia will be laid to rest at Burlington Cemetery immediately following the service.
Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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