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Cathy Johnson Obituary

JOHNSON Cathy Ann (Otremba) Cathy Ann Johnson (Otremba), 58, died in Florida with her family at her bedside on Thursday, April 23, 2009, after a 12-year fight with cancer. Cathy was born September 27, 1950, to Len and Lois (Maska) Otremba in Toledo, Ohio, and lived in Oregon, Ohio. Cathy graduated from Start High School in 1968. She attended BGSU and graduated in 1972 from the University of Toledo, where she was a member of Phi Beta Phi. For over 35 years, Cathy inspired many as a teacher and principal for Toledo Public Schools. She also served as a mentor for new principals in the Urban Leadership Development Program. Her most recent assignment was principal at Chase Stem Academy. In 2008, Cathy was named Educator of the Year by the East Toledo Family Center. Cathy is survived by her husband, John; her daughters, Jamie, Leslie, Melissa (James Eggerding), and Lindsey Johnson; sister, Susan (Jay) Koester; niece and nephew, Kristi and Ryan Koester, and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Cathy lived strong and enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the family's lakeside cottage in Northern Michigan, and vacationing in Siesta Key, Florida. She also enjoyed renovating their new home on River Road. Cathy was an active member of Monroe Street United Methodist Church, the East Toledo Club, and the Sunoco Community Advisory Panel. She served 8 years as a board member in the Oregon City School district. The family will receive friends at the Hoeflinger-Bolander Funeral Home, 3500 Navarre Ave., on Friday, May 1, from 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Cathy's life will be held at Monroe Street United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 2, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Hospice of the Comforter, Altamonte Springs, Florida, or Monroe Street United Methodist Church.

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Published by The Blade from Apr. 30 to May 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Cathy Johnson

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Judy and Len Malec

May 12, 2009

Dear Sue,
We are so sorry for your loss. We were out of town and could not attend the service for Cathy. I was privileged to work with her at Westfield. Her energy, enthusiasm, and humor were amazing to behold. I know how much you will miss her. Please extend our condolences to John and family.

R0b Rose

May 11, 2009

Sorry we were not aware of this sooner. Our contact was through J.J. but will always remember how nice Cathy and the family were when we met away from the football field at Monroe St. Church.

Our thoughts are with you and the family - Pat and Rob Rose

Lou and Debbie Galambos

May 9, 2009

We were out of the country last week and only just heard of Cathy's passing away. Our heartfelt prayers are with you, John, and your family.

Lou and Debbie Galambos

VIcki Hampton

May 6, 2009

It's hard to belive almost 12 years have passed since I left Monroe St Church. I remember Cathy's grace, caring and laughter as we enjoyed our church family and functions. To John and the girls - may you find comfort in the memories of Cathy's many friends and associates. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Natalie Kalo

May 4, 2009

Mama Johnson touched so many lives during her short time on earth. I know she is in heaven watching over her four beautiful daughters, devoted husband, and all of her family and friend she loved so dearly. We will continue to celebrate her life and one day be reunited together in heaven. My prayers and love are with the entire Johnson family.

Harriet Brown-Cooper

May 4, 2009

To Cathy's Family,
I am sorry for your loss.Cathy and I graduated from Start High School where we were in band together.Cathy was always a lot fun.I was hoping to see her last October at the reunion,I'm sorry I did not get to see her. She will be missed.

Holly Gusky

May 3, 2009

Dear Family of Cathy Johnson, As a PTA parent from Franklin School, please accept my sincere condolences on her passing. I can say that Mrs. Johnson's influence on all of our kids during their early years helped them become the young adults they are today! She was loved by all who met her and she will be sadly missed! May she rest in peace and be in no more pain.

Jeff Kosla

May 2, 2009

Jamie and The Johnson Family,

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this time of grieving. Your mother was a special person to everyone around her and she made me smile during my poor college years. May god provide you strength during this time.
God Bless!!!

May 2, 2009

I was very saddened to hear of the loss of one of my classmates at Start high school. I can see very clearly the smile on Cathy's face in the hallway and classroom. My sympathy to Cathy's entire family during this difficult time. Many years have passed but the memories have not.
Terry Wilcox Dublin, Ohio. Start High school class of 1968

connie dobreff

May 2, 2009

To the Johnson family; Cathy's life was a wonderful experience for all those who knew her. I know she will be greatly missed.

Linda Davis(Graham)

May 1, 2009

I attended grade and high school with Cathy. She was always positive and friendly as a young person, and I'm sure that continued throughout her lifetime. My prayers and thoughts are with her family in this most difficult time.

Patty Schalitz

May 1, 2009

John,family so sorry to hear of Cathy's passing.Will always remember Black Lake and the fun times we shared.
Aunt Sis and Uncle Ed Will watch over her.
Patty Schalitz's and family

Kathy, Floyd, Nick & Brian Danyi Family

May 1, 2009

John & Family
So sorry about Cathy's death and what she went through all those years. I still remember waiting in line at Cousinos years ago for a table. John & Cathy were holding hands & kissing, while waiting. That love will never die.
May your beautiful memories comfort you throughout the years.

Bob Motter

May 1, 2009

To Coach Johnson and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. She was a great woman, and was there whenever you needed her. From church to football games, I new I had her support! It is a shame that she is gone so young, but I am sure God has a plan for her with him.

LOLA GLOVER

May 1, 2009

TO MRS. SUE KOESTER AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY,

WE WERE SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF MRS. JOHNSON. WE HAVE SPOKEN TO HER CO-WORKERS AT CHASE TO EXTEND OUR SYMPATHIES. PLEASE BE COMFORTED BY YOUR WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF MRS. JOHNSON. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.

Rosemary M.

May 1, 2009

To Cathy's family,

My heart go out for your family. Cathy always had a good word, hug and her friendly smile for you. When you were having a not so good day, Cathy was always able to turn that around. Being a new educator she helped me in everyway possible. Thank you God for Cathy Johnson.

Sue Earl

May 1, 2009

John and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was truly blessed to have known her both professionaly and personaly. Lots of fun times with Macomber Foodball and she always welcomed me at the family gatherings. Her positive leadership style and her passion for education is an example for others to follow.

Bernie Solomon

May 1, 2009

Leslie, please know that my sympathy goes out to you and your family. Although I did not know your Mom, she raised you to be a caring young woman.
Don't know if you have moved to Florida,yet, but best wishes for success in your chosen field.

Ray Walendzak

May 1, 2009

J.J. and girls just a note to let you know how saddened It was to hear of Cathys death. Having know her for years and serving with her on the Oregon School Board I had respect for her thoughts and ideas concerning education.
She was dedicated to education and has left her mark on the Oregon School System as well as the Toledo School System. Please accept my condolences and thoughts.

Bill High

May 1, 2009

To The Family of Cathy Johnson (Otremba),

Please accept my sincere condolences and sympathy. Cathy and I were classmates at Start H.S. and I'll always remeber her as a good friend and genuine person. I haven't seen Cathy in years but was made aware of her passing by another classmate. You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you negotiate through this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Bill High
Start H.S. Class of '68

Diane Hartman

May 1, 2009

Dear Sue, Jay, Kristi and Ryan,
With sadness I read of your loved one, Cathy's, death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn, but try to remember the good times and happy memories that will keep her in your hearts always.
Very sincerely,
Diane and Lowell Hartman

Alan Thompson

May 1, 2009

I was so sorry to learn of Cathy's passing. She was a special friend back during our college days. She was a Pi Phi and I was a Sig Ep. We became good friends and confidants, often sharing problems with each other. I remember that she came with me to my college graduation ceremony. As things go, we lost touch after our college days. I had always intended to drop in on her at the school where she was principal to surprise her and reminisce. So wish I had done that now. My deepest sympathies to her family! What a wonderful friend she was!

Karen Eversden

April 30, 2009

To all the family, my heart is breaking for you! When I saw Cathy's picture in the paper, she looked so like my mother! Life is short and family is precious. God bless, cousin Karen

Jason & Jaime Csehi

April 30, 2009

Coach Johnson, Jamie, and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
All our love,
Jason and Jaime (Tscherne) Csehi

Lee Stubbins

April 30, 2009

It's Not fair My friend with cancer.Didn't seem fair.All of her treatments.And loosing her hair.The cuts on her body. The hospital stay.Crying out loud. Why this way? Gods to blame for so many things.Like sorrow and deaths and sufferings. Why God? Why not me?Shes young you see. Gods not to blame for sorrow or fun. He also suffered. When the cross held his son. We love you lots eternal friends forever Lee Kellie Siera and Ian Stubbins

April 30, 2009

John and girls, It's so sad.
We feel that we have lost another daughter.
Paul and Jan Bissonette

Virgil Rybczynski

April 30, 2009

To the family, my deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. I was a childhood neighbor on Sandralee Drive. I have fond memories of the Otremba Family...May she rest in peace.

Tuffy & Jan Reason

April 30, 2009

Jan and I were saddened learning about Cathy. Cathy and Jane were administrators in the Toledo school system. Jan always spoke so well of Cathy. I only met Cathy one time the summer of l993 at a wedding recption, yet she made a tremendous impression upon me. I felt like I had known her for years. Cathy and J.J. were so alike, hard working, direct, dependable and very dedicated. Our condolences to J.J. and the entire Johnson family.

Sue Hyman

April 30, 2009

To Cathy's family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I graduated with Cathy from Start and still remember her spirit and sense of humor. We also had the opportunity to work together in T.P.S. Cathy was always so dedicated and well respected. May her memory and love live on in your hearts forever.
My thoughts are with you.
Sue (Albright) Hyman

Kathy & family

April 30, 2009

Cathy,

I want to thank you for being a super educator and an understanding human being. You made a great change in our lives. God you have wonderful angel next to you now.

Amber (Guy) Saurbeck

April 30, 2009

To the family; my prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow. May she live forever in your memories and hearts. My sincerest sympathy goes out to you.

Kim Maros

April 30, 2009

John and Girls, My deepest sympathy for you loss. It is a major loss to anyone who knew Cathy. I went to grade school and high school with her. I am so sorry I lost touch with her over the years. I saw her last at you grandfathers funeral. She was a special angel here on earth.
Kim Wening Maros

Dave & Linda(Lair) Bilius

April 30, 2009

John and family,
Our deepest sympathies to you at this difficult time. Cathy was always a joy to be around and will surely be missed. She was such a great supporter of her family and football(of course)
Ed & Sis will be happy to see her. Our prayers go out to all of you.

Sally Collins

April 30, 2009

Dear Cousins:
We are so sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. Cathy left her positive touch on so many lives. Gone too soon! God be with you all as He welcomes His newest angel.
Sally, Mark, Amy, and Christie Collins

pamela engelhardt

April 30, 2009

To the Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was a real sweet person who was always there when she was needed. Please remember that Cathy is always watching over you and she is your guardian angel. If you need anything please let me know.

Jeff, Marsha, Andrea & Adam Mihalko

April 30, 2009

Out thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends during this very difficult time.

Courtney and Steve Adamczewski

April 30, 2009

Jamie and family,

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Please know you are all in my prayers.

Michele Gross

April 30, 2009

Our hearts are so sad by the death of Cathy. She was such a special person in every way. I will miss her hugs and wonderful laugh---she really touched so many people in such very special ways.

Karen Ahrens

April 30, 2009

My boss, my friend. She will never be forgotten. I will always treasure the memories and laughter and try to follow her wise advise. She was a great and fair leader and made our school a better place to work and for our students to learn.
I have always admired her strength and the dignity and respect that she posessed. She spoke with unbounding love of her husband, her children and her sister and the blessings she felt because of them. I will miss her so very much and love her always.

Leann Lohr

April 30, 2009

John and girls, Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We have such wonderful memories you have shared with the Lair family over the years. Cathy was a great mother, wife, friend. Mom and Dad thought the world of her and so do we. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Leann (Lair) Lohr and family.

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