Mae Elizabeth Johnson, age 95, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2015 at her home in Greenville under the care of her son and daughter-in-law. She was born July 14, 1919 in Waterbury, Connecticut, the daughter of William and Hazel (Wheeler) Honegger. She was a graduate of Leavenworth High School, and then attended the Greenwich School of Nursing. She worked for a time at the Waterbury Clock Company, making gyroscopes for the World War II effort. Mae then served her country in the Women's Army Corps, primarily at the Army and Navy General Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. While serving at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, Mae met her future husband, Edward William Johnson, a decorated war hero just returning home. They were married at the Fort Sheridan chapel on October 28, 1945. Together they raised a family, eventually moving to Greenville, where they became longtime active members of the First Congregational Church. Mae enjoyed traveling, especially to First Infantry Division "Big Red One" Army reunions, crossword puzzles, and especially her flower garden. She was a member of the Shoreline Herbarist Club and a lifetime member of the Greenville Garden Club. Mae was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 67 years, Ed, in 2012 and her sister, Dorothy Coulture. She is survived by her sons, William (Sharry) Johnson and Bruce Johnson; grandchildren, Jennifer Johnson, Mary (Dan) Lelko), and Justin Johnson; great-grandchildren, Avery Lelko and Bentley Lelko; and brother, William (Erma) Honegger. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the First Congregational Church of Greenville, with Mae’s pastor, the Rev. Ian Macdonald, officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at church prior to the service. Private inurnment with military honors rendered under the auspices of the United States Army and the Cleveland-Wolverton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3794 will take place at South Sidney Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Mae's honor to the First Congregational Church Parish Nurse Fund.
