Josephine A. Johnson, 91

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Josephine "Josie" Ann (Morin) Johnson, 91, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2017, at Williamstown Commons with her daughter Debra by her side.

She was born on February 5, 1926, in North Adams, the daughter of Carl and Anna (Nicholas) Morin. Her parents were immigrants from Beirut, Lebanon and she was always proud of her heritage. Josie was employed at the Gale Shoe Company for several years before her 35 years with the Sprague Electric Company. She was known as a prankster on the job, always trying to make her coworkers laugh…and she DID! If she could make you smile, she was happy.

Josie was a huge animal lover, especially cats. She would go out of her way to feed the strays in her neighborhood and she was happiest when she had a cat on her lap. She enjoyed playing bingo, although she rarely ever won. In her younger days she enjoyed taking Dufour trips with her daughter to Montreal, Boston, New York City and various other New England locations.

Josie was a “people person” and her outgoing personality made it easy for her to make friends out of total strangers in a matter of minutes. She loved to dance and even enjoyed rock 'n' roll. In 1994 she attended a Rolling Stones concert at the old Foxboro Stadium with her daughter. Josie was never one to care about possessions and was a true humanitarian, often buying lunch for those with little or no money.

On July 31, 1949 she married the love of her life, Raymond "Red" Johnson. They were married for 25 years, until Ray's passing on her 50th birthday, February 5, 1976. Josie never remarried.

Survivors include her daughter Debra of North Adams and her sister Julia, with whom she made her home in North Adams.

She was predeceased by siblings Lillian, Mamie, Richard, Michael, Edward Gouch and her twin brother Joseph. She also leaves her beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral notice: There will be no calling hours and services will be private at the request of Josie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Animal Dreams, the feral cat rescue organization through the Berkshire Humane Society or to the Eleanor Sonsini Shelter's cat room in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Unit Two, Williamstown Commons, for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time.