Ferne Elizabeth Anne Johnson

Perry – Ferne Elizabeth Anne Johnson, 88, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at Marshall’s Health Care Facility in Machias. Ferne was born in Avondale, Nova Scotia, on December 10, 1926, daughter of the late Rev. Wallace and Caroline (Dodge) Loring. She graduated from high school in Fredericton, NB, in 1944 and worked for Harvey Studio hand tinting photographs while she was waiting for her love, Gates, to return from the war. On September 3, 1947, Ferne married R. Gates Johnson in Marysville, NB with her father serving as the minister. Ferne and Gates moved to Maine where she raised their four children. During this time, she taught Sunday School and was active in her children’s many school functions. Eventually she went to work for the U.S. Postal Service serving in Robbinston, Pembroke, Perry, and Eastport, until retiring in 1988. Following her retirement, Ferne worked for Delnicki Greenhouse in Pembroke. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed quilting, knitting, painting, and jigsaw puzzles. Ferne was a member of the Eastern Star in Eastport, International Garden Club, Red Hatters in Eastport, and was Past-President of Peavey Memorial Library.

In addition to her parents, Ferne was predeceased by her loving husband R. Gates Johnson; four brothers, George, Ivan, Ross, and Wallace Loring; a sister Elgey Loring; and a son-in-law Kenneth “Sonny” Avery. Surviving are her four children, Ivie Avery of Perry, Robert Johnson and wife Carla of Sierra Vista, AZ, Dana Johnson and wife Ruby of Calais, and Loring Johnson and wife Pam of Fort Fairfield; five grandchildren, Scott Johnson and wife Aly of Calgary, AB, Zachary and Isaac Johnson of Calais, and Cyrus and Bella Noelke of Presque Isle; a special nephew, George Browne of Ancaster, ON; many nieces and nephews; and her faithful canine companion Cookie.

A celebration of Ferne’s life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Mays Funeral Home – Flagg Chapel, 72 High St., Eastport. Burial will follow in Restlawn Cemetery, Perry. Ferne loved to spend quality time with her family. To honor her memory, find some time to spend with those you love.

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