Emily Elizabeth Johnson

Emily Elizabeth Johnson
Emily Elizabeth Johnson, 73, of Thornton, Colorado, passed away on October 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be remembered for her kindness and the light she brought into the lives of others.
Born on April 29, 1952, in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, Emily dedicated her life to caring for others. After earning her degree in early childhood education, she taught special education. When she and her husband welcomed a daughter with special needs, Emily's commitment to helping children and families deepened even further. She became an advocate for those affected by Tuberous Sclerosis, serving as the Northern California state representative for what is now the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. She also volunteered with the Special Olympics and other programs that support individuals with special needs, continuing her lifelong mission to create opportunities and community for people of all abilities.
Emily and her husband, Roger "Scott" Johnson, met on their first night of college and shared 55 wonderful years together. Their life took them from Illinois, to New York and New Jersey, to California, and to Texas before settling in Thornton, Colorado four years ago, where Emily quickly became an active and loved member of her community. Emily enjoyed the arts in all their forms - she sang in choirs, painted watercolors, and joined local book and theater groups. She especially loved making art projects with her grandchildren. Her creativity, inclusivity, and kindness left lasting impressions on everyone she met.
She is survived by her husband Scott; daughters Megan Johnson Townsend and Ann Carolyn Johnson; sister Genie Kehoe Reiman; and grandchildren Maya Rose Lara, Maddox Scott Lara, and Olivia Jane Lara, who were her greatest joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Elizabeth Kehoe, and her brother James Kehoe. A memorial open house celebrating Emily's life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at her home, 15383 Xenia Court, Thornton, CO 80602.
In place of flowers, the family invites donations in Emily's memory to the two nonprofit organizations where she devoted so much of her time and heart. They are:
The Adventurers Academy of Lifelong Learning, - Online donations can be made at www.austinadventurers.org. There is a "Donate Now" button. There will be a form to fill out for an honorary tribute or Memorial gift, as well as a place to leave a message. Checks can also be mailed to Adventurers Academy at 7106 Shadywood Dr, Austin, TX 78745 Or The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance - Memorial contributions remembering Emily can be sent to the TSC Alliance at 8737 Colesville Road, Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or online at www.tscalliance.org/memorialgift.