Gwendolyn Johnson

Obituary Gwen Johnson, beloved wife of Harry W. Johnson II, passed away peacefully at Franciscan Hospice House in University Place, WA on Thursday, August 24, 2006 due to complications from a severe stroke. A lifelong resident of Tacoma, Gwen was born to Ralph B. and Ethel H. Evans on August 30, 1926. She attended Stadium High School, graduating in 1945; The College of Puget Sound (now - University of Puget Sound), then traveled to San Francisco, California where she first studied to be a concert pianist. Always a very social person, when the isolation of the practice room became too much, she embarked on a life-long career in teaching, graduating from San Francisco State University in 1949 with a teaching degree. Gwen also furthered her passion for learning and education through many classes and seminars throughout her lifetime. After beginning her teaching career in California, Gwen moved back to Tacoma, and was a teacher and administrator in special education at Tacoma Public Schools for over 30 years. After "retiring," Gwen founded, along with Harry, The Gwen E. Johnson School of Learning in order to continue her passion for education, and her love of teaching children. The red trolley school bus could be regularly seen around town picking up or delivering children to and from the School for over 10 years. One of Gwen's favorite sayings was: "To teach, is to touch a life forever . . . " Gwen is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 32 years, Harry, as well as her children, Ben F. Barcus and wife Nurhan of University Place; Nancy W. Rogers and husband Jeffrey, and two grandchildren, Jacob Jeffrey Rogers and William Benjamin Rogers of Mercer Island. Gwen was predeceased by three other children, Ralph, Caroline and George. She is also survived by brother, Richard F. Evans of Tacoma. In addition, Gwen is survived by three stepchildren, and five step-grandchildren, as well as ten much-loved nieces, nephews and their children. Gwen will be remembered not only for her passion for teaching children, but also for her love of music, art, decorating and entertaining large groups of people. She was a gourmet cook, and regularly shared her culinary talents with family, friends and colleagues in the family home on north Yakima Avenue, along with her skilled piano playing for many years. It was nothing for Gwen to cook for and entertain 100 or more guests. Her keen wit, hearty laugh, strong sense of humor, and incredible generosity will never be forgotten. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 3:30 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 209 S. "J" St., Tacoma. Viewing 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at Gaffney Funeral Home, 1002 So. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA (253) 572-6003. The family would like to thank Linda Drygas, Dee Martin, and Kevin S. Reed of The Franciscan Hospice House for their kind and loving care of Gwen during her last days. Memorials to The Franciscan Hospice House, 2901 Bridgeport Way West, University Place, WA 98466, or to a favorite charity of your choice.