BRUNSWICK — Elisabeth Case “Libby” Johnson, 94, died Feb. 4 at Sunnybrook Village in Brunswick after a brief courageous battle with cancer.

Johnson was born in Topeka, Kan., on Feb. 25, 1917, the daughter of John Francis Case and Margaret Case. The family moved to Wright City, Mo., and “Shady Lawn Farm” in 1920 where she made many happy memories, including raising her prize winning chickens.

She attended Kirksville, Mo., State Teachers College as well as Central Wesleyan College for Women. She worked as a secretary for CPA Arthur Smith until her marriage to Samuel Johnson in 1939. A bicycle ride and ice cream cone started a decades long relationship that prospered and endured until Sam’s death after nearly 65 years of marriage.

Johnson loved to read, play Pinochle and family get-togethers. She was always active in church organizations, teaching Sunday school, singing in church choirs and bringing coffee cakes to bake sales. She was a longtime member of the Phippsburg Congregational Church and had many happy summer Sundays there as the “Lemonade Lady.”

A gifted pianist, she loved to play the piano and wrote many songs, both music and lyrics. Her piano playing provided countless hours of entertainment to her family, friends and anyone fortunate enough to come upon her.

She loved nature and was an avid bird watcher, fulfilling this love by traveling to the Galapagos Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Her love of travel led to wonderful trips to many countries including China, Egypt and most of Europe. Despite this love of travel, her heart remained at her “cottage on the bay” in Phippsburg. She loved the woods, the ocean, sunsets and sailboats.         

Johnson is survived by sons Ronald Johnson and his wife, Janet, of Houston and Eric Johnson and his wife, Jocelyn, of Phippsburg; daughter, Margaret
“Meg” Hall and her husband, John, of Bath; son-in-law Jim Hougan of Charlottesville, Va.; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Samuel Johnson; daughter Carolyn Hougan; brothers Wilfred and Francis Case; and sisters Aileen Heimerdiner and Cleta Case.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sunnybrook Village where Johnson lived during the last several years. She made many wonderful friends there; the residents and staff became like a second family to her.

A memorial service was held Feb. 11 at Phippsburg Congregational Church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to either: The Salvation Army, 25 Congress Ave., Bath ME 04530 or the Pine Tree Society, 149 Front St., Bath ME 04530.

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