In Loving Memory of Donna Marie Johnson

August 15, 1955–October 24, 2026

Donna Marie Johnson passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. During her time in hospice care, Donna was lovingly cared for by her children and their significant others in her daughter’s home. Her final days were filled with love, laughter, lobster dinners, music, a birthday celebration, and visits from the many friends and family who meant so much to her. These precious moments brought everyone together to celebrate Donna, share memories, and surround her with the love she had so freely given throughout her life.

Born in Framingham, Massachusetts, Donna spent most of her life on the South Shore of Massachusetts, including Dorchester, Marshfield, and Weymouth, as well as two years in Vermont.

Donna was a brilliant seamstress, a gifted crafter, and an artist in every sense of the word. Throughout her life, she worked on countless sewing projects, both professionally and for the people she loved. Her work included alterations, industrial sewing projects, upholstering, quilting and many other creations. Some of her creations were on display when she worked at Sew-Fisticated Fabrics where her talent shined. She also loved sewing for fun, making Halloween costumes and special outfits, including her daughter’s wedding dress. She was the queen of all crafts, crocheting, knitting, cross-stitching, basket weaving, candy making, felting, diamond painting. If it involved fabric, thread, yarn, beads, or a little sparkle, Donna could turn it into something beautiful. She was happiest when her hands were busy making something special. A lover of bright colors and beautiful things, Donna had a wild, wonderful sense of style and bedazzled just about anything she could. She brought that creativity and flair to the world around her.

One of her greatest accomplishments was the many years she devoted to raising her six children. Being a mother was a role she embraced wholeheartedly. With such a large family, and sometimes the neighborhood kids, she provided an atmosphere full of fun and creativity. Family meals were always together at the table, her bread pudding she got to have all to herself as none of her kids liked it. Even when money was tight, she got the best cereals, ones with the marshmallows, she made sure her children were able to participate in dance lessons, Scouts, summer camps, drum lessons, band practice at the house, skateboarding, letting the youngest kids build a quarter pipe off the back deck, and always made sure they had the most magical Christmas mornings. She attended any of her kids performances where you would hear her signature whistle or you could find her front row dancing the whole time. She was her children’s biggest fan.

Her love for family only grew with time, especially when she became Nana. Donna was a thoughtful and devoted Nana who never arrived at a family gathering or event without something for her grandchildren, Pokémon or hockey cards, crafts, small treasures. Gifts stashed away to be given anytime the grandchildren would come for a visit. Baking something special together, or playing a game, breaking out some cool toys. She delighted in making them feel special and ensuring they knew how deeply they were loved.

Donna’s compassion extended beyond her family. She spent more than ten years working for Road to Responsibility, supporting adults with special needs and enjoying time spent with them in the community, sharing experiences, and spending meaningful time with them. She also provided home health care to clients, helping with everyday needs and offering companionship. Donna understood that sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is your time, a listening ear, and a little kindness.

In 2019, Donna faced her first battle with cancer. Her personal experience with medical cannabis during her cancer journey inspired a deep passion for the whole plant and its benefits. When she returned to the workforce, she chose to work at a medical cannabis dispensary, where she could share her experience, advocate for others, and be part of an industry she believed in.

Beyond her work and creative pursuits, Donna loved spending time with friends and family. She enjoyed concerts, cruises, crafting events, shared meals, backyard parties, and the simple pleasure of being together. She loved talking on the phone for hours and hours, checking in on her children, and staying up late chatting with friends. She enjoyed a good story, a little gossip, and knowing what was happening in the lives of the people she loved. For Donna, staying connected was never a chore; it was one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Donna had a beautiful, radiant smile that could light up any room. She wore it even when she was nervous, and it was one of the many things people will remember most about her. Though a tiny lady in stature, she gave the biggest hugs. She had a gentle, calm, and understanding nature, and she accepted people for who they were. Donna had a special way of making others feel welcome. If you were her friend, you were family. She believed in including everyone, and her kindness made room for so many people in her life.

Donna’s life was a colorful patchwork of the people she cared for, the things she created, the stories she shared, and the memories she left behind. Like the many pieces of fabric she lovingly stitched together, she brought different people into her life and made them part of something bigger. She gave freely of her time, her talents, her warmth, and her heart.

She will be remembered for her creativity, her compassion, her bright and beautiful spirit, her unmistakable style, her endless conversations, and her beautiful smile.

Donna leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, friends who will miss her dearly, and countless memories that will continue to bring smiles and comfort for years to come.

Donna is survived by her husband, Edward “Buddy” Johnson; her mother, Joan Zambello; her brother, Anthony Zambello, and his wife, Nancy; and her six beloved children: Judi Bohlin and her partner, Christian Lanman; Shawn and Story Flores; Mark and Brittany Flores; Ryan and Hannah Lynch; Michael Lynch and his partner, Emily Freitag; and Steven Lynch and his partner, Emily Tumbarello.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Tyler Bohlin and his partner, Shawna Reed; Olivia Bohlin; Ellie and Issac Lynch; Brixton and Desmond Flores; Macsen Flores; and Noah Lynch; and her great-granddaughter, Lucy Bohlin, who brought another generation of love into the family.

She was a mother, a Nana, a sister, a daughter, a friend, an artist, and a bright light in the lives of so many. Her love will remain woven into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

A celebration of life will be planned in Marshfield a beloved and cherished place for her and her children in the Spring.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester.

To view Donna's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.