Elizabeth Johnson

ELIZABETH V.E. JOHNSON, 83 ROCKFORD - Elizabeth V.E. Johnson, 83, of Rockford died at 4 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2011, in SwedishAmerican Hospital. Born Oct. 5, 1927, in Rockford, daughter of Gunnar and Victoria (Carlson) Ericson. Graduate of East High School, Class of 1945. Attended Rockford College. She received an undergraduate degree from University of Illinois and graduate degree from Northern Illinois University. Married Barent O. Johnson on June 2, 1951; he died Oct. 25, 2010. Elizabeth was a teacher at Rock River and P.R. Walker schools from 1949 to 1992. Member of Unitarian Universalist Church, where she participated in the Countryman Circle and V.S.P. Also member of League of Women Voters, AAUW, Phi Delta Kappa-emeritus, C.A.S.A., Illinois Retired Teachers Association, NEA/IEA/REA, Rockford Musical Association, University of Illinois Alumni Association and the Swedish Historical Society. She was a violist in the Rockford and Beloit symphony orchestras, an avid bridge player and enjoyed Red Hat luncheons. Survived by daughters, Ann E. Arellano of Lombard and Susan M. (William) Taber of Upland, Calif.; grandsons, Benjamin Arellano, Andrew and Alexander Taber; sister-in-law, Charlotte Burch of Rockford; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner St., with visitation starting at 1 p.m.; the Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson-Doyle will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to League of Women Voters, Phi Delta Kappa or Swedish Historical Society. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., 1001 Second Ave. To share a memory or condolence, see olsonfh.com.