Barbara A. Johnson

1928 - 2021

Barbara A. Johnson 1928—2021
Our beautiful mother, Barbara A. Johnson, died peacefully on May 2, 2021 at the age of 92. Barbara was born on June 9, 1928 to Charles and Ruth Gritzbaugh in Chicago, Illinois. As a young child she moved with her parents to Rockford and the area became her lifelong home. Barbara attended Kishwaukee Grade School, Lincoln Junior High School and graduated from East High School in 1946. One of her great joys was playing the tenor drum in the VFW Drum and Bugle Corps and participating in competitions in Soldier Field. A favorite memory was when she caught a glimpse of her uncle Stanley (Gritzbaugh) while marching in a parade down State Street in Chicago. Barbara met her future husband Harry (Fred) Johnson on a blind date, and after planning and saving money for several years, they married on July 16, 1949. She left her job in the Billing Department of Atwood Vacuum upon the birth of her first daughter, Ginny. 16 months later another daughter, Jill, was born, followed in 8 years by a son, Britt. Barbara loved being a homemaker to her young family. Fred had built a two-bedroom Cape Cod bungalow in a developing neighborhood, The Oaks, in Northwest Rockford. They lived in three different houses during their nearly thirty years there. During a shopping trip to The Little Traveler in Geneva, Illinois, Barbara's aunt Margie (Gritzbaugh) bought her an antique copper pitcher for her mantle. That gift resulted in her interest in collecting copper and antiques. When their third home in The Oaks was filled with treasures, Barbara and Fred opened an antique and gift store in Loves Park, Barbara A. Johnson Antiques. Within several years, they moved the shop to the Clock Tower Inn in Rockford. The couple collected and sold American antiques until their love of Swedish antiques became their passion, in part because of Fred's heritage. They traveled to Sweden extensively and imported numerous shipments for their world renown store. During this time, Barbara and Fred also collected American Folk Art and they advanced the careers of several now well-known artists in the United States. Participating in years of antique shows and sales, the couple were active members of Northern Illinois Antique Dealer Association. With their travels, they made many lifelong friends, with Barbara decorating and furnishing homes of their clients throughout the country. When they acquired a home on Long Lake in Phelps, Wisconsin, it was there that Barbara and Fred spent many years exploring the area and hosting family and friends worldwide. In the early 1980's Barbara and Fred built an American Saltbox home in the country near Belvidere. It was furnished with their many collections of antiques. They loved entertaining their clients, clubs, and friends there for many years. Acknowledging their talent, the house was featured in notable books and magazines. Barbara was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Rockford and later Westminster Presbyterian. Most recently, Barbara has greatly appreciated the company of Pastor Jeff Honson of Northridge Community Church. As young newlyweds, Barbara and Fred joined a group called Presbyweds at First Presbyterian. There they became acquainted with five other couples and have remained lifelong friends until their individual deaths. Barbara was one of the last two remaining members of the group. Later in life, Barbara most enjoyed being at home, enjoying her decorating, antiques, and gardens. She loved her caregivers as family, and they brought her companionship, humor, and comfort. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ruth Gritzbaugh, her husband Fred, her beloved Aunt Margaret Gritzbaugh, and an infant grandson Christopher Eames. Barbara is survived by her daughter Ginny (Don) Eames of Colleyville, Texas, daughter Jill (Jim) Warsaw of Weston, Wisconsin, her grandson Geoff (Sarah) Eames and grandson Tim Eames all of Dallas, Texas, and great-grandchildren Emily and Evan Eames, Dallas. She is also survived by a son, Britt Johnson (Paula), Machesney Park, granddaughters Brittany, Kayla and their families. While there are no words to adequately thank Barbara's caregivers, Ginny and Jill would like to remember them as their mother's lifeline. They allowed her to continue living in her own home until her death and provided her years of companionship and personal care. It takes a certain type of person to care for another, especially when there is mental and physical deterioration. You are those people, and we are profoundly grateful for your love, compassion, and kindness. You will continue to be a part of our family and we love you. Lead caregiver Casey Perez, Bethany Smith, Kristal Fare, Jenny Borja and Ray and Tess Manganti, and former caregiver Heather MacKusick. Barbara's family would like to thank United Hospice for their professional and personal involvement in her final weeks. You gave us endless support during this difficult time.
A celebration of Barbara's life will be held in the summer with Jeff Honson officiating. The family would be honored with memorials to United Hospice, 1420 Renaissance Drive, Suite 209, Park Ridge, IL, 60068 or Salvation Army Belvidere Corps, 422 S. Main St., Belvidere, IL 61008. Attention: Linda.