Ellen M. Johnson

Ellen “Chickie” Johnson of Merrimac, a long-time Rowley, MA resident, passed away Friday, May 4, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  She spent her last few days attended by her family under the gentle care of the staff at High Pointe Hospice in Haverhill. 

Ellen was the daughter of William and Helen Howell, formerly of Saugus, MA.  She was a graduate of Saugus High School.  She is survived by her husband of 59 years. Robert Johnson of Merrimac, son, Stephen of St Louis MO and his wife Cheryl, son, Douglas Johnson of Hampstead, NH and his wife Susan, and daughter, Ellen Cheverie of Salisbury and her fiancé John Stromboly.  She also leaves her brother, William Howell of Lynn, MA, Ray Howell of Ipswich, MA and her sister, “my sista”, Florence Brady and husband Tom of Topsfield, MA.   Cousin, Joan Noto in Mesquite, NV. She leaves behind grandchildren, Keifer Johnson, Kendall Johnson, Taylor Johnson, Connor Johnson, Briana Cheverie-Davis and her husband Greg,  Crysta Cheverie, and great-grandchildren, Liam Cheverie, Lillian and Jacob Davis.

She had worked at a family-owned business in Ipswich as well as at Hills Store and First Bank of Ipswich.

She loved her home and her family and her rescue cat “Socks”.  Her favorite things were family gatherings, participating in the parish activities of St. Mary’s in Rowley, ice cream, and a quiet cup of tea with her “sista”.  Even later in life she was known to roll down a grassy hill with her grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., at the F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent Street, Rowley, MA.  Memorial Mass will be on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Mary's Church, Main Street, Rowley.  In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made to Sarah’s Place – Adult Care Center, 180 Water Street, Haverhill, MA  01830

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