Helen Louise U. Johnson Was Devoted to Husband

Helen Louise Underwood Johnson died June 22. She passed away on the Vineyard surrounded by her loved ones.

She was the beloved wife of 48 years of the late Admiral W. Norman Johnson, who had retired from the U.S. Navy.

Helen was the loving daughter of the late Charles and Marion Underwood of Roxbury. She was born in Boston on July 2, 1938.

Helen was a strong, beautiful woman who lived her life through love and friendship. She was a devoted mother whose unconditional love embraced her children's individualism. She was not only a mother but a friend to each of them. She had a fondness for cats, having many that she loved and adored.

Helen's quick wit and sharp tongue allowed for many spirited conversations with her friends. She enjoyed discussing world affairs and the financial market over a glass of wine. Helen was an intelligent business woman. Her financial prowess enabled her to achieve financial independence for her family.  

In 1982, both Helen and her husband Norm had life-changing illnesses. Helen never succumbed to her disease. She continued with the same determination and eloquence that characterized her life.

But upon her husband Norman's diagnosis of colon cancer, she took charge and was a force to be reckoned with. She was his protector and the stabilizing force he needed to fight the battle that saved his life. Norman survived another 24 years.

Norman cherished his wife, referring to her fondly as Mi Vida (My Life). Their love and friendship withstood the hardships of war, 32 years of military life, multiple sclerosis and cancer.  

While Helen will be greatly missed, we are comforted in knowing that she is now again with her soulmate Norman. May their spirits soar and their souls rest in eternal peace with God's love. Helen will always be loved, respected, cherished, and remembered.

Survivors include her sisters Muriel and Laura; her brothers David, John, and Michael; her children, Laura Hairston of Scottsdale, Ariz., Lois Johnson of Alexandria, Va., and W. Norman Johnson Jr. of San Jose, Calif.; five grandchildren, Jacob, Vanessa, Leah, Erica, and Jordan; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service and reception will be held at Saint Mark's Congregational Church, 200 Townsend street, Dorchester on Friday, July 27 at 4 p.m. A chapel service and interment will be held on Wednesday, August 1, at Arlington National Cemetery at 1 p.m. Please join us in these final farewells to Helen.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen Louise Johnson's name to the American Cancer Society.