Published in the December 15, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Annie H. Johnson entered eternal life on December 8, 2017. Annie was the daughter of the late James F. Whitty and Laura (Grant) Whitty. Her parents were from Prince Edward Island, Canada, where she often visited as a child. PEI was one of her favorite places, and she visited every year for many years. Annie thoroughly enjoyed her Irish heritage.
Annie married the late Gerald F. Johnson in 1954 and together they had eight children. The house was always active and the kitchen never closed. Annie was an excellent cook. There was always a meal ready for anyone who stopped in. The family had a huge farm in Haverhill which provided enormous quantities of produce. Annie became adept at canning vegetables, and she made fantastic relish and tomato sauce. Baked beans were her signature dish, which she loved to bring to family gatherings. Her homemade bread was famous.
Besides cooking, Annie was an outstanding seamstress. She made clothes for herself, her family, and others. She even made doll clothes for her daughters. She made prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, wedding gowns and Halloween costumes. She was the go-to if you needed to hem a pair of pants, mend a broken zipper or alter a suit. She was brilliantly creative.
Although Annie held several jobs during her life, she will always be remembered for her love of children. In addition to her own, Annie babysat many children through the years. Jimmy Kiely was at the house so much we thought he was another brother. With every new baby she would exclaim, “it’s the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen!” We liked to tease her about that. She was consistently kind and generous.
Annie was the mother of Karen, Lynne and her husband Gary Tipson, Stephen and his wife Lauri, David and his wife Karen, Gail, Michelle, Kristin and her husband John Foley, and Daniel and his wife Deanna. She was the sister of Mary McLean, Lorraine Drew, James Whitty and his wife Jean, and the late Joan Powers. She leaves behind her grandchildren Emma, Heather and Audrey Tipson; Catherine and Anna Johnson; Lauren, Michael, Brian and Kathleen Johnson; Jason and David Smith; Evan Johnson; Luke and Karaline Foley; and Lyanna, Mikey, Helen and Cullain Johnson. Annie had so many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Visiting hours were held on Tuesday, December 12, at the Gately Funeral Home in Melrose. A funeral Mass was held at Saint Mary’s Church in Melrose on Wednesday, December 13, and interment is at Wyoming Cemetery. A gathering for family and friends was held at the Knights of Columbus in Melrose following the burial. The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Care One Nursing Home in Wilmington for their care and dedication to Annie. Donations may be made in Annie’s name to Saint Mary’s Scholarship fund, or a charity of your choice. Annie leaves us rich in memories. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
