Carolyn Johnson

1921 - 2025

Carolyn Johnson

Nottingham, NH - Carolyn Johnson, 103, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025 surrounded by family, leaving a multi-generational legacy of humor, compassion and faith. Known to her children as 'Ma' (though she preferred 'Mother') and to her grandchildren as 'Grammie J', Carolyn was very connected to and proud of her family. Her life was marked by her kindness, as she shared herself and her home with those who needed it, without judgement. She was renowned for her notes and cards, sharing her apt and humorous observations about daily life, remembering many details about the lives of those she cared for.

Carolyn was born in Portland, ME on December 25, 1921 to Laurence H. and Helen Jordan Denison, the eldest of four children. She spent her early years in Norway and Harrison, ME, and graduated from Bridgton Academy in 1940. She went on to attend Bates College before marrying Gordon L. Johnson of Westbrook, ME in June 1942 with whom she raised seven children in Hampton, NH, York, ME and Barnstead, NH.

She served as librarian and trustee at Oscar Foss Memorial Library in Ctr. Barnstead from 1971-1985 and was an active member at the Barnstead Parade Congregational Church where her husband Gordon served as pastor.

In 2002, Carolyn moved to the White Rock Senior Living Community in Bow and in August 2015, married Rev. Harvey R. Lord of South Paris, ME. She was delighted to extend her love and interest to his seven children.

She is survived by her adoring children, Eric Johnson of Durham, NC, Diane Johnson of Middletown, CT; David (and Donna) Johnson of Buxton, ME, Cate (and Jeff) Weir of Charlotte, NC, Peggy (and David) Lancaster of Nottingham, NH - with whom she lived in her last year - and Peter (and Crystal) Johnson of Milford, NH. She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon and her eldest daughter, Marsha Judson, and is survived by Marsha's husband, Tom, of Cromwell, CT as well as 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.

Please join us in celebrating Carolyn's life on Monday, May 5 at 2:30 pm at the Barnstead Parade Congregational Church, followed by a reception open to all and a private burial.

Memorial contributions may be made in Carolyn's name to Oscar Foss Memorial Library or a local food bank.