Connie Johnson

Connie Birdsall Johnson, a woman of boundless grace, deep devotion, and quiet strength, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, in Saratoga Springs, Utah, at the age of 81. Her life, beautifully lived, was a testament to the power of love, family, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

Born on December 15, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Homer Gilbert Birdsall Jr. and Edith Arlene Budd, Connie grew up with a strong sense of purpose, refined manners, and an appreciation for the little things-values that would guide her throughout her life.

She earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Utah and went on to become a beloved teacher, touching the lives of countless students with her warmth, patience, and belief in their potential. Her passion for education didn't stop in the classroom-she established a scholarship fund to ensure that higher education felt like a "when," not an "if," for the young people she cared so deeply about.

Connie was a devoted and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith guided her every step and was at the heart of how she lived, served, and loved. On June 28, 1968, she was sealed to her eternal sweetheart, Fred Wallace Johnson, in the Salt Lake City Temple-a union that became the cornerstone of her life and the love story she cherished most.

Connie had a keen eye for beauty and detail. She delighted in elegant table settings, crafted intricate ceramics, and found joy in selecting the perfect outfit-especially for her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure. From savoring Dungeness crab by the sea to reading children's books aloud with spark and animation, Connie lived a life full of affection, tradition, and deep connection.

She was lovingly meticulous, always making sure every grandchild received equal gifts-a trait she inherited from her beloved mother. She taught her granddaughters to be gracious and poised, and her grandsons to be respectful and kind. Though she valued etiquette and decorum, Connie's humility never faltered. She wore her locket-containing a cherished photo of her and Fred-close to her heart every day, an enduring symbol of the love that anchored her life.

Above all, Connie's greatest joy was her family. She was their steady guide, their loving listener, and their most enthusiastic supporter.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Fred, and their three sons:

David and his wife Lynette, and their children: Annie (with husband Jared and children Eli and Sylvie), Megan, Zach (Baylee), Kate, Mary, and Jane

Dan and his wife Jen, and their children: Hailey, Abby, Rachel, Joe and Ruth

Darren and his wife Traci, and their children: Emmie, Allie, Eliza, Spencer, and Lincoln

She is also survived by her dear sisters: Kathy Symes, and her husband Glade; and Linda Hearty, and her husband Pat. Her legacy lives on in the lives of her three children, sixteen grandchildren, and soon-to-be three great-grandchildren-each one a testament to her love, faith, and example.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 3rd, from 9:00–10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at 1273 Regal View Dr, Saratoga Springs, UT 84103. Interment will follow at a nearby cemetery.

Connie's influence will ripple on in every table set with care, every book read to a child, every student reaching for their dreams, and every moment spent in love and purpose.