Obituary of Sandy Johnson

Sandra Sue Johnson, née Wilson, 76, of Morning View, passed away surrounded by loving family at Select Specialty Hospital, Fort Thomas, KY, on February 15, 2025. Born on December 27, 1948, in Newport, KY, she was the daughter of the late Chester Wilson and Mary Louise [Hofmann] Bergman.

Through a mutual friend, Sandy met her soulmate in Carl Johnson one night out at the Chicken Roost (now Peecox Bar & Grill) in Independence. She studied to be a nurse and began work at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati; over time transferring to St. Elizabeth, Edgewood. For 35 years she cared deeply for her patients.

Sandy loved to read.  She mostly enjoyed romance novels. She passed this passion on to her children and before there was a branch of the Kenton County Library nearby, she took them to visit the local bookmobile.  Sandy coached her kids’ elementary and middle school soccer teams and also instilled a sense of civic duty and community service spirit to her daughters, serving as troop leader for Girl Scouts.

Born so close to the winter holidays, Sandy never gave much thought about her own birthday.  She preferred to give gifts rather than receive them. She was multi-talented in the realm of craft—possessing skills in crochet, drawing, painting and ceramics.  A fan of penny slots, she relished traveling to nearby casinos to try her luck or instead enjoyed going out for dinner and drinks with friends.  She planned the best vacations for her family; traveling south to hop on a cruise, then to Disney or over to Gatlinburg, Ruby Falls, Rock City or Top Sail Island.

Eternally jovial and happy-go-lucky, Sandy was that boisterous and extroverted person who everyone wanted to be around. She was a perfect and unique combination of someone who was caring and empathetic but also someone who was honest and direct.

Sandy was the beloved wife and best friend of 55 years to Carl Johnson; treasured mom to Carrie (Richard) Herthel, Mollie (John) Sorrell, and Zach Johnson; dear sister to Becky (Joe) Paff; and loving grandma to Evan Herthel. She will also be loved and remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as close friends, colleagues and her parish family at St. Patrick. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Mike Wilson and her step-father Larry Bergman.

The visitation for Sandy will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at St. Patrick, 3285 Mills Rd, Taylor Mill, KY 41015. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Directly following, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. After mass, Sandy will be laid to rest gently and comfortably at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, 5336 Old Taylor Mill Rd, Covington, KY 41015.

In addition to other expressions of sympathy, you may make a memorial donation. If you consider donating in Sandy’s memory, please do so to benefit Good Samaritan College Of Nursing & Health Science, 375 Dixmyth, Cincinnati, OH, 45220.  Donations can be made online or in person at services. You may also select a charity of your own choice.

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