Emily Marvin Johl

She leaves behind to fill the birdfeeders and tend the flowers, her beloved husband of 71+ years, John H. Johl, sister Judy Grover (Jim) of Old Saybrook, CT and sister-in-law Janet Johl Weissman of Bonita Springs, FL. She is also survived by her daughters Betsy Byrne (Kevin) of Manlius, NY, Susan Potter (Peter) of Westbrook, CT and Jennifer Bell (Jason) of Granby, CT and her grandchildren and great grandchildren Emily Byrne (James Secor) Eben and Olive, Brian Potter (Joanna) Mason, Sarah Byrne (Emeka Uwasomba), Andrew Potter (Derek Donofrio) Colby and Maeve, John Bell and Julia Bell.

Emily was predeceased by her parents, sister Harriet, brother-in-law Bob Weissman and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Emily was born Feb. 22, 1931 in Deep River, CT to Harry B.L. and Ruth Andrews Marvin. She graduated from Deep River HS and UCONN (Go Husky’s) class of 1953. Emily taught many children in the Deep River- Chester area to swim at Cedar Lake during high school and college summers. She and John were married in Deep River in June 1953 and headed to Albany, GA so John could finish his military service and Emily could start her new life as a military wife. They returned to CT for a short time prior to a 55 year temporary move to Haworth, New Jersey.

Emily was an active member of the Haworth community and was involved in many capacities at the UCC church in town including as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, Women's fellowship and Co-eds participant. She served on the Haworth Shade Tree Commission, was a member of the Women’s Club, a poll worker on many election days, and she was an active member of a local chapter of the Phi Mu sorority. Emily enjoyed a couple of stints as the First Lady of Haworth. Often John purchased the cakes and brownies she made for local bake sales before they ever left her kitchen!

At age 80, Emily reminded John that the New Jersey move was temporary and so he kept his promise to her and they moved to Essex Meadows in Essex, CT. During her 14+ years in Essex, Emily served on the Art and Landscaping committees. Emily also kept track of the comings and goings of the birds in her yard as she had done for all those years in Haworth and on Marvin Drive at Chapman Beach in Westbrook where she spent time every summer of her life.

The family would especially like to thank Catherine, Mary Beth, Mary Ellen, Gwendolyn and all the other care providers and friends who have taken such kind care of Emily these past few years.

Services will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to your local nature center or conservancy or take some time to watch birds, ideally with a child. And if flowers are just your thing, consider sending them to someone you know who is lonely.