Obituary of Jennie Johnson

Jennie (Rietkerk) Johnson passed away at her Soquel home, on October 11, 2014, with her beloved family by her side, just shy of celebrating her 90th birthday. Jennie was born on October 17, 1924, in Orange, California, to Jennie & William Rietkerk, both Dutch immigrants. Her father was a dairyman - so hard work and dedication were a part of her moral fiber. She graduated from Excelsior High School, in Norwalk, California, and Sawyer Business College in Long Beach, California. During WW II, she worked as a stenographer for Douglas Aircraft Company at Long Beach Airport. After the war, she furthered her education at University of California, Davis, where she met her husband, Eugene A. Johnson, who graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. They moved to the picturesque town of Soquel, California where her husband pursued his career in veterinary medicine. Jennie loved her hilltop home overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay. Her home, view, and garden were treasures for which she was always grateful. There, she raised her four children, and delighted watching her four grandsons grow and play. Many hours were spent tending to her garden and home; making both the special places they are today. She was a skilled homemaker with tremendous artistic talents. Her family enjoyed her beautiful flower arrangements, watercolor paintings, and delightful scrapbook, which detailed cherished memories of her excursions to San Francisco with her friends to see Broadway shows. All of these touches and more graced her home and everyone she knew. In addition, Jennie excelled at the art of cooking, refining her own recipes to perfection which she compiled into a cookbook for her family and friends to enjoy for many years to come. There were many beloved pet companions and wildlife that graced Jennie's life on the hilltop. Jennie enjoyed watching nature, and particularly a variety of birds that would visit her garden for treats and refreshing dips in the birdbath. Family and friends were extremely important to Jennie. She delighted in hosting family and friends for special occasions, and she strived to make gatherings in her home very special and memorable for all who attended. Conversations with Jennie were a true joy; her love of reading and word play displayed her intelligence and wit. She was active in AFS (American Field Service), an intercultural exchange program for high school students, and the Children's Home Society. Jennie's Dutch heritage and genealogy were also important pursuits to her. Jennie was an extremely loving, kind, caring, thoughtful, and sensitive wife and mother. Her energy, spirit and presence will be tremendously missed by her family and friends. Jennie is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, and her four beloved children: Eric Johnson (Lia Cachola), Heidi Hadley (Thom Hadley), Tom Johnson (Donna Johnson), and Bonnie Johnson. She also leaves her four cherished grandchildren: Brian Hadley, Kirk Johnson, Grant Hadley, and Trevor Johnson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Tommy Rietkerk. A private celebration in honor of Jennie's life and the tremendous impact she had on the lives of her beloved family and friends, will be held at her home and sanctuary. If you would like to share memories of Jennie, pray for Jennie and her family, or extend your sympathies to the family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com