Elena O'Brien Johnson

Elena Rova O'Brien Johnson, a war bride, was commanding general throughout her battle with pancreatic cancer. On Monday, August 15 she lost that battle but remained victorious - loving life, surrounded by family and friends, and trusting in Jesus.

Elena was born in Udine, Italy. At the age of eighteen she met and married Msgt. Walter J. O’Brien following WWII. They had five children. Walter remained in the Army until his death in 1966, when Elena was widowed with five children - she was thirty-six years old.

Four children later enlisted in the US Armed Forces.

Elena moved her family from Germany to Houston where she saw the great opportunities for herself and the family. Inspired, she studied interior design and became the top designer for a leading firm. She later established her own business with notable clients including Madame Chiang Kai Chek in Manhattan. In the 80’s with the economy on decline, she packed up and moved to Palm Beach.

After moving to Palm Beach, she married legendary fighter pilot Col. Howard "Scrappy" Johnson, USAF (Ret.). Scrappy broke the world’s altitude record in an F-104A. After the war in Vietnam he co-founded the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, which has provided millions of dollars in scholarships for children of missing and disabled pilots. After retirement, Scrappy sold his Texas ranch, working side by side with Elena building a tiny shop into the South’s top consignment showcase for more than two decades.

The business was sold in 2014 and Elena turned her attention and boundless energy to “Joint Mission”, a non-profit organization warehousing and delivering donated furniture to veterans who are selected through the Veterans Administration. Since opening doors earlier this year, Joint Mission has served more than 100 veterans, including one whose home is currently being built by Habitat for Humanity.

There was nothing Elena was not prepared to take on if she believed in it. She led the charge for Old Glory, taking on civic and home associations for the right to exhibit the American flag. Elena was iconic with her white hair, bright smile, signature frames, posing with two parrots and her Westie. More recently, she drew attention with her Uncle Sam top hat, pointing out the needs of veterans. Her grace and many acts of kindness have brought well-wishes from all parts of the world. Elena saw Joint Mission as her final venture, literally working while in chemotherapy sessions, to open doors and encourage donors.

She leaves her husband, Howard “Scrappy” Johnson; daughter Margaret O’Brien-Nelson and husband Don Nelson; daughter Kathryn O’Brien; daughter Elizabeth Gimmler and husband Paul Gimmler; son Michael O’Brien; daughter Sheila Wolff and husband Michael Wolff; Patty Gimmler Wells; as well as step-children Ted Johnson and Carol Johnson. A host of grandchildren and great grandchildren will remember their Nonina forever.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 11a.m. at St. Clare Catholic Church. A celebration of Elena’s life is being planned for early November, commemorating both her birthday and her beloved veterans. Elena asked friends and family to make donations to Joint Mission in lieu of flowers.

Donate online at the Joint Mission website www.jointmission.org

Joint Mission - A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation

Florida Corporation N14000011627 - 1300 Old Dixie Highway, #106

See the Joint Mission Facebook @jointmission.org