Violet Mary Johnson

CHESTERTOWN The spirit of Violet Mary (Straus) Johnson left this earth on Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, in Glens Falls, N.Y., at the age of 91. Born in Port Chester, N.Y. on Feb. 9, 1916, Violet was a lifelong resident of Port Chester, and lived on Willett Avenue for almost 50 years. At the age of 86, she sold her home to live with her daughter, Betsey Johnson and her son-in-law, Bob Frechette, in Chestertown in upstate New York. Violet worked at the former Putnam Trust Bank in Greenwich, Conn., for more than 30 years. Her eldest daughter, Barbara Johnson and her husband, Richard Andre, live in St. Paul, Minn. Violet loved life; her easy charm and cheerful smile endeared her to all who met her. She loved animals and she liked to feed the deer and foxes outside her home in Chestertown. In the summer, she would watch the hummingbirds at the feeder. Late in life, Violet came to enjoy NASCAR racing. She was an avid Jeff Gordon fan. Violet lived the American dream; she worked hard, sent her daughters to college and traveled to Europe and the Middle East. She saw many changes in her lifetime; when she was born a woman could not vote, when she died, a woman is running for president. To the end, her mind was lively and she would discuss politics and the economy. Violet was a wonderful mother, her daughters always knew they were loved. She will be deeply missed but her spirit will live on in their hearts. Violets ashes will be buried at the Straus family plot at St. Mary's Cemetery on Westchester Avenue, in Rye Brook, on Friday, Dec. 7, 2007, at noon.There will be a graveside service; her friends are invited to attend. Arrangements are under the direction of Singleton-Healy Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury.