Gwen Johnson, of Loveland, passed away on March 15, 2022. She was born in 1925 at Chatsworth Castle in England. Early in life she accompanied her parents Florence and Frank Fox as they traveled the world pursuing her father’s work as a petroleum engineer. The family later settled in California, where she met the love of her life, Boyd Johnson, while attending school there.
Gwen and Boyd were married in 1946, and they both became teachers. Seeking advanced degrees, they soon became renowned for working with special needs children. Gwen and Boyd were pioneers in the field of developing and promoting programs to assist teachers and school districts in their efforts to improve educational opportunities for special needs children. Gwen became employed by the State of California and traveled extensively to provide training and compliance programs nationwide. She received awards and accolades for her work and was named “Teacher of the Year” in 1975.
Gwen was known far and wide for her intelligence and wit. She was dedicated to serving God, and to enriching the lives of all the people she encountered on her journey through life. Gwen and Boyd were enthusiastic members of First Lutheran Church in Redlands, California where Boyd was a lay pastor and Gwen a hospital chaplain for over ten years. After moving to Loveland, King of Glory Lutheran Church became their church home. They were devoted members. They often referred to their beloved friends as their King of Glory “family”. Gwen’s phone ministry included singing with and listening to those who needed companionship.
Gwen was proud of being an educator and felt that every person deserved the opportunity to become the best that they could be. She was steadfast in her belief that “Something good will come from this…” no matter how difficult or upsetting life sometimes became.
Gwen is survived by three children, Lyn, Dan (Che’ree), and Jon. She had seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Boyd and daughter Jannie.
There will be a visitation at Allnutt Funeral Home, 2100 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland on Wednesday evening, March 30th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
On Thursday, March 31st, there will be a visitation at 9:30 AM at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2919 North Wilson Avenue, Loveland, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 10:30 AM. A reception at the church will follow, with interment at Resthaven Memory Gardens, 8426 S. Hwy. 287, Fort Collins, at 1:30 PM.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Gwen’s name to King of Glory Lutheran Church.
