Mrs. Irma S. Johnston

December 7, 1924 - November 12, 2017

Irma S. Johnston, 92, beloved wife of Henry G. Johnston, Sr. for 68 years, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2017. She was born on December 7, 1924 in Essex, CT, the daughter of Alfred J. Spencer and Emma Looby Spencer. Irma graduated from Pratt High School in Essex and then attended the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing. She was the Head Nurse of Pediatric Surgery at Hartford Hospital for several years before leaving the working world for motherhood and homemaking. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son Henry Jr. and his wife, Nancy; her daughter, Marie; her son Paul and his wife, Nancy; her grandchildren: Sean, Kate, Molly, Thomas, Tara, and Michael; and her great-grandchildren: Phoebe, Tighe, Natalie, Selena, Lilyana, and Alexa. Irma’s four siblings: Lawrence, Rae, Benis, and Alfred, Jr. pre-deceased her. Irma and Henry raised their family in Cromwell, CT and spent much time every summer at their cottage in Westbrook, CT. Irma was an exceptionally curious person who took great pleasure in exploring nature and the world. She traveled extensively and found much joy in things near and far. Irma loved the beach, shell collecting, and bird-watching. She and Henry always maintained a large garden, which provided them and others with vegetables galore, including tomatoes, squash and cucumbers. Irma canned many fruits and vegetables, and every fall her grandchildren looked forward to the annual applesauce-making gathering, which always culminated in pizza and root beer floats. Irma took great pride in being a nurse, and memories of her time at Hartford Hospital stayed with her always. Given her propensity for cleanliness and order, it is not surprising that she was a nurse! Although her family often made fun of her many ‘systems’, most agreed that her reasoning behind them usually made sense. While she was a loving and kind person, there were no holds barred when it came to a ‘friendly’ card game or board game. And, when lobster, mussels or clams were served, everyone best not interrupt her eating or expect her to share! Irma loved the Red Sox, UCONN basketball, family gatherings and eating out. She was devoted to the First Congregational Church in Cromwell, where she was active in the Women’s Federation and the children’s Sunday School programs. Oh, and one can’t talk about Irma without mentioning her humming. She hummed while doing almost everything: puttering around, washing her hands – even going to the bathroom! Irma was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. A Memorial service, followed by a luncheon, will be held at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main Street, Cromwell, CT at 11:00 on Saturday, November 18, 2017. A private burial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, 355 Main Street, Cromwell, CT 06416 or the Cromwell Fire District EMT, One West Street, Cromwell, CT 06416.