Gloria Ann Johnson

Gloria Ann Johnson
It is with deep sadness that we announce that our mother, Gloria Ann Johnson, passed away peacefully at home in Windsor Locks on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Jacob Joseph Slahtosky and Elizabeth (Witkovic) Slahtosky. Gloria was born on July 26, 1926 in New Britain, CT. She was predeceased by her first husband, Edmund Haponik (1950), and by her second husband, Clidyth "Whitey" Johnson (1971).
Gloria grew up in New Britain, CT, and later in Manchester, CT where she graduated from Manchester High School in 1944. She went on to work at the Cheney Brothers Silk Mills in the Velvet Mill office. Gloria married Edmond Haponik in 1946, making a life together in Manchester, CT where they welcomed their son, MIchael Haponik. After Edmund's passing, Gloria married Clidyth Johnson in 1953. They welcomed eight more children over the next 12 ½ years. In 1960, they moved the growing family from Manchester to Windsor Locks. Clidyth's untimely death in 1971 again left Gloria as a single mom, this time with eight children at home. Gloria returned to work third shift in the Reconciling Department at Hartford National Bank (now Bank of America), retiring as the Night Shift Supervisor in 1990 at the age of 64.
Mom was calm, smart, and strong for herself and her children. At a time when a woman was unable to purchase a home on her own, Mom managed to buy a lovely home and move the family from South Elm Street across town to Midland Rd., where she lived the rest of her life. She provided a stable and loving home while raising her children. Working nights, she continued to put a hot supper on the table every night, attend our sporting and school events, chaperone school field trips, and chauffeured us everywhere. Mom was friendly and kind to our friends, many of whom remember "Mrs. Johnson" fondly.
Gloria was an avid bowler all her life. She played in a duckpin league at the Villa Rose and in bowling leagues at Bradley Bowl, accumulating many trophies over the years. She was a major sports fan, especially of the UConn Men's and Women's Basketball Teams. She loved watching PGA golf, the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and Nascar to cheer on CT's Joey Logano.
Gloria loved music, especially classic rock and blues, finally going to an Eric Clapton concert at 80 and the Rolling Stones the year before. She was a lifelong learner, library patron, avid reader, theater-goer, and volunteer, always keeping up with current events. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, word searches, and Jeopardy. After retiring, she was able to enjoy new travel adventures with Rita and "Fuzzy," her friend, Edith, and her many children.
A fun-loving person, Mom enjoyed life, people, family, and friends. She remembered everyone on their birthday and other major events, sending cards and love. She supported and celebrated the achievements of her children, grandchildren, and friends.
Gloria leaves her children, Linda Anderson (Dave), Donna Johnson (Sande), David Johnson (Lori), Barbara Watson (Chuck), son-in-law Milton Ainsworth, Thomas Johnson (Mai), Marie Gratton, and John Johnson (Dee). She also leaves her grandchildren, Jennifer (Dylan), Jessica, Craig (Angel), Gloria, Eddie (May), Tony (Matt), Jim (Mehlina), Mina (Tim), Kyla (John), Patrick (Amanda), Earl (Julia), and Cristain (Abner). She also leaves behind her 16 great-grandchildren with another one on the way, three step-great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, whom she loved deeply. Besides her parents and husbands, she was predeceased by her son, Michael Haponik; daughter, Christine Ainsworth; granddaughter, Michelle Malloy; grandson, Marshall Anderson; and son-in-law Paul Gratton. She was also predeceased by her sister, Rita McAllister, and brother-in-law Sam "Fuzzy" McAllister, and her brother, James Slahtosky.
The family would like to thank mom's wonderful aide, Yesenia Garcia, for the loving care she showed mom over the last year. We could not have done it without her. Mom's granddaughter, Glo, was also instrumental in her care as she continued to decline, always by her bedside. We would also like to extend our appreciation to her hospice nurse, Alana.
Family and friends may gather on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m., at Windsor Locks Funeral Home, 441 Spring Street, Windsor Locks. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 52 South Elm Street, Windsor Locks. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, 220 Spring Street, Windsor Locks. All are invited back to St. Robert Bellarmine Hall for a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Windsor Locks Public Library, 28 Main St., Windsor Locks, CT 06096. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.leetestevens.com