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Esther Johnson Obituary
Resident of Cupertino
12 Aug. 1905-11 Sept. 2010
Born in Hoople, ND, Esther grew up on a farm near Grafton, the youngest of 7 children. She dreamed of becoming a nurse and in 1927 graduated from Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing and received a scholarship to study public health at the University of Minnesota. Her first nursing job brought her to North Dakota where she met and married Ray Johnson in 1929. That same year they moved to San Jose, CA for Esther's job with the Santa Clara County Health Department. In 1942 she joined the SJ Unified School District as a school nurse, retiring in 1966. She and Ray became champion lawn bowlers and travelled extensively through Europe, Canada and Hawaii. They moved to Capitola in 1968. Ray passed away in 1988; in 1993 Esther moved to Sunnyview Manor in Cupertino. By 2001 she accumulated more than 4000 volunteer hours, including her work as email coordinator. She crocheted her 58th afghan blanket at age 97 then took up the art of tatting. On her 103 birthday she set a world record frisbee toss. Her active mind and body kept her young despite her years, nourished by her faith, family and friends.
Esther leaves her daughter Ruth Sparks of Fort Bragg, CA; her son Merritt Johnson of Corona del Mar, CA; grandchildren Gary, Greg and Grant Amaral, Chris and Carolyn Johnson, Ginger Avila and Lisa Wilson; 16 great grand children and one great-great grandchild.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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