Verdenal H. Johnson

1924 - 2017

Verdenal H. Johnson

AGE: 92 • Dover, NH

Verdenal H. Johnson, 92, of Benjamin Way, passed away on Wednesday August 9, 2017 at Wentworth Douglass Hospital.

Born November 22, 1924 the daughter of Philip and Frances (Verdenal) Hoag. Verdenal graduated from the Gill School in Bernardsville NJ after which she would receive her bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College. She went on to do postgraduate work at Temple University, Rutgers University, and Kean College. Verdenal achieved her Master's degree in education from Seton Hall University. Verdenal taught English at the Morristown High School in NJ from 1963-1982 and then went on to teach as an adjunct professor at Seton Hallfrom 1982-1986.

Aside from her love of teaching, Verdenal, best known as Verdi, had many other interests and aspirations. She was the owner of the Argus Gallery from 1961-1967. During the late 60's she was also a regular columnist in the Art Section at the Newark Star Ledger. Verdi also served as a Trustee for the Morris County Historical Society in NJ from 1980-1989. Her love of grammar led her to serve as the copy editor of the NH Historical Society from 2003-2017. The organization she was most proud of being part of was the Association for Encouragement of Correct Punctuation, Spelling and Usage in Public, an association she created herself due toher frustration with errors in all things printed.

The Hoag family having been founders of the Newark Museum, after retiring from teaching until her move to New Hampshire, Verdi was an active volunteer at the Museum, then a Trustee, and finally a Trustee Emerita.

Verdi was also known for her extraordinary quilt making and stitching. She had a colorful (and sometimes a bit crass!) sense of humor, which made everybody laugh. She spent many summers in Ocean Point, Maine near Grimes Cove - her favorite spot to unwind and revive. She was a 50 year breast cancer survivor and was known as a trail blazer who lived life on her own terms.

Verdenal was a very accomplished woman, but by far her proudest accomplishment was her family and everything that they have achieved. She loved spending as much time as she possibly could with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her husband Edward F. Johnson.

She is survived by her children Candida A. Johnson, David B. Johnson and his wife Linda, and Frances V. Meffen and her husband Jack A. Meffen. She is also survived by her grandchildren Allastair K. Meffen and his wife Meg E. Meffen, Margaret V. Howard and her husband Kris B. Howard, Elizabeth K. Meffen and her significant other Adotey Plange, and Madeline O. Johnson. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Chafania F. Plange, William A. Meffen, Zachary A. Meffen, Callan B. Howard, and Kiley V. Howard.

A celebration of Verdi's life is being planned for October. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Dover Fire Toy Box, P.O. Box 1004, Dover NH 03820, or the Dover Friends Meetinghouse, 141 Central Ave, Dover NH 03820.