Shirley Diane Johnson

Shirley Diane Johnson, 68, passed away Monday, July 25, 2016 at the Kimberly Hall Nursing Home in Windsor after a brief battle with cancer. Shirley was born on July 14, 1948 in Hartford, CT., the youngest daughter of the late Robert C. and Marion (Livingston) Johnson. Shirley spent her entire life in Hartford and graduated from Bulkeley High School, class of 1966. She was baptized, confirmed and attended South Congregational Church in Hartford where she was a 53 year member. Shirley liked music, dancing and traveling. She had been to many interesting places including New York City to attend Broadway shows. She enjoyed many summers with her family vacationing in Cape Cod and many happy times visiting relatives at Amston Lake, CT. Shirley seemed to know everyone and also enjoyed visiting and talking on the phone with family and the many friends she had throughout the years. She frequented many businesses, shops and bakeries on Franklin Avenue to stay in touch with people. Soap operas and talk radio shows were another one of her passions. Shirley loved helping people and her vocational career included that of home companion and caregiver. She also worked for the Red Cross, Leukemia Society and the Hartford Times. Besides her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her brother Bobby, Aunt Helen and Uncle Charlie Fritzon, Uncle Joe Baum, a niece Susan Diamond and her beloved pet Skippy. Shirley leaves behind her two sisters, Beverly and husband Frank Diamond and Elaine Johnson, and an Aunt Arline Baum. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and their families; Leonard Diamond and his children Kristina, Robert and Kimberly; Kathy Watras and husband Tom and their children Tom and Brian; Bob Diamond, Ed Diamond and longtime friend, David Kruh. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday July 29, 2016 at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield, officiated by the Reverend Dr. John Afman. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit, www.desopo.com.