Sheila Ann Johnson

Sheila was born in Portland on January 12, 1942, the daughter of Roland and Ruth (Callahan) DeCoteau. She grew up in Norway and South Paris and lived in Portland and Scarborough after she completed her education. Sheila completed Nursing School and then earned a Master of Library Science Degree at Boston College. Sheila thoroughly enjoyed her career as a Reference Librarian at the University of Southern Maine, where she served as department chair. Sheila continued her lifelong love of learning by taking adult education classes in her retirement.

Sheila was predeceased by her parents Roland Edmond DeCoteau and Ruth Callahan DeCoteau, her brother John E. DeCoteau, her great nephew Kevin E. DeCoteau, and her beloved husband Richard A Johnson.

Sheila is survived by her nephew David John DeCoteau Toia and his wife Justina, her great nephew Greyson Oran DeCoteau Toia of Maryland, her sister-in-law Linda DeCoteau Toia of Pennsylvania, Richard’s sister Barbara Zwicker and her husband Charles of Ottawa, Jan Ferry and her husband, John of Maine and Scott Johnson and his wife Cheryl of South Carolina, along with many beloved nieces and nephews who she adored.

Sheila was a gracious, glamorous, and generous hostess. Sheila and Dick shared a deep love for Hancock Pond and spent time at their cottage each year, along with their family and friends. Dick was founder and president of the Hancock Pond Association and Sheila was the secretary for many years. The cottage was also an important part of their extended families’ lives and home to many celebrations-- from honeymoons to family reunions. Sheila was a great storyteller, and many evenings would find her sharing tales on the cottage porch, encouraging family and friends to laugh, remember, and hold tight to the special memories created at Hancock Pond. Extended family was vitally important to both Sheila and Dick. They left a legacy of love and family, and truly made the world a better place.

Sheila’s life will be celebrated along with her husband Richard Johnson’s at Piper Shores. The family felt that a joint celebration of life befitted their love and close bond, which carried them happily through 53 years of marriage. The celebration of Sheila and Dick’s lives will take place at 12 pm, followed by a reception from 1 pm until 3 pm, on October 7, 2024, at Piper Shores Life Care Retirement Community, Scarborough ME. Friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Hancock Pond Association, Denmark ME.