Charlotte Albertine Johnson

Charlotte Albertine Johnson passed away quietly May 28th following a short illness. Born November 16, 1916 in Manchester, Connecticut, Char resided in Grand Haven for more than 60 years. Growing up with her parents, Benjamin W. and Elsie Palmer Albertine, Char attended school at the Norwich Free Academy. Upon graduation she joined the Travelers Insurance Company staff in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1941 she met Paul A. Johnson, a U. S. Naval Officer who had been on assignment with Pratt & Whitney in Hartford. Shortly thereafter, Paul was transferred to the San Francisco-located staff of the U. S. Commander, Western Sea Frontier. Char and Paul were married in 1942 and began their life together in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Char began years of entertaining their friends headed to the Pacific fleet. With the war over in 1945, they moved to Grand Haven. Wife, mother, sister-in-law, and friend, Char was always interested in people, ideas, travel, fashion and reading. Char was an active helpmate with her husband Paul in their business and philanthropic endeavors. Friends will remember her many warm welcomes to the Tri-Cities and gracious entertaining. She served as Trustee-Emeritus of the Grand Valley State University Foundation and was a founding member of the Grand Forum. A member of First Presbyterian Church, Grand Haven, Char was a Church Circle Member. In addition she was an active member of the Spring Lake Country Club, joining in 1946, and Spring Lake Yacht Club. Everyone will remember Char's sense of humor and loyalty to her daughters, family and friends. Quick witted, you will never forget her lovely smile. A native New Englander, Char's roots can be traced to the Mayflower. She particularly enjoyed talking about family history with her niece, Diane Norman of Preston, Connecticut. Survivors include her daughters Bari Stanton Johnson, Spring Lake, and JoAnn Reed Johnson, San Francisco; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Don and Sarah Johnson and Mart and Dottie Johnson; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews throughout the United States. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, her brother, Frederick and several in-laws. Services are to be held Saturday, May 31st at 4:00 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, Grand Haven with a celebration immediately following until 7 p.m. at the Spring Lake Country Club. Visitation will be Friday, May 30th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at VanZantwick Bartels & Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven. Memorial contribution suggestions include the Greatest Needs Fund or the Paul A. and Charlotte A. Johnson Family Fund of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation; Grand Forum or Women's Center at Grand Valley State University or a charity of your choice.