Plan for the Future
Susan Crabb Johnson, 85, of Chatham, NJ, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2022 surrounded by her 3 children, due to complications from a 6-month journey with cancer. A memorial celebration of her life will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township, NJ on December 17th at 1pm.
Susan was born in Sioux City, Iowa, the beloved only child of Frank and Dorothy (Ward) Crabb. Perhaps because her father’s career brought the family to many locations, moving frequently and as far away as Brisbane, Australia, Susan learned to make friends easily and became the kind, warm and generous person we all loved. Her teen years were spent in Indianapolis, IN where she graduated from Broad Ripple High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where her father and later her daughter Carol also graduated, and where she became a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, a legacy she shared with her mother and later passed on to her daughters Carol and Nancy, and granddaughter Ashley.
After college, Susan worked at Bell Laboratories as a Director of Personnel in NJ, then transferred to White Sands, NM where she met her future husband, Ralph D. Johnson. Their work with Bell Labs brought the couple to Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands where they were engaged, married, and began their family. After 2 years on Kwajalein, Susan and Ralph moved to Morristown, NJ bringing 9-week-old David with them. Carol and Nancy were born there, and the family moved to Chatham Township in 1971. It was Susan’s favorite home of all, where she and Ralph lovingly raised their family, and where she lived for 51 years.
Susan was a leader for many educational causes and charitable organizations. She was an active member, Elder, Deacon and employee of the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township, welcoming all who came to the church with her trademark kindness and generosity of spirit. She and Ralph loved music and donated the first set of handbells to start the bell choir. Susan also served on the board of the Chatham Concert Series, bringing many performances to the community. She served as Vice Chairman of the Chatham Township School Board, was also very active in the school PTOs, the Jr. League of Morristown, and was a Girl Scout Troop Leader, among many other volunteer activities and organizations.
One of her shining star engagements over the years was with P.E.O., a woman’s Philanthropic Educational Organization raising money for and supporting educational opportunities for women, while also offering a community of friendship. Her mother, grandmother, and both her daughters are also PEOs. Susan was very active in her local NJ Chapter AB, Madison, serving as President and other officer roles multiple times. She later became President of the NJ State Board, expanding her involvement and experience throughout the state, and participated in State and International Conventions whenever she could.
Susan loved family trips to Hilton Head Island, get-togethers with Bell Labs Kwajalein friends, and many trips with family and friends throughout the US and Europe. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, watching Kyle, Emma and Grace’s college baseball and lacrosse games and traveling with Caroline and Ashley across the US and Europe.
Pre-deceased by her parents, Susan was the beloved wife of the late Ralph D. Johnson. She was the loving mother of David D. Johnson and his wife Monica (Palo Alto, CA), Carol J. Dooley (Edina, MN) and Nancy S. Johnson (Chatham, NJ). She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Kyle Johnson, Caroline Dooley, Emma Johnson, Ashley Dooley and Grace Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Susan’s name to The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township, 240 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ 07928 or on line at www.pcct-nj.org/give/ Donations can also be made to the PEO Foundation, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 or online at www.peointernational.org/contributions-peo-foundation. Or just greet everyone with a smile today, and make them feel important. She’d very much appreciate that as her legacy.
The church address for the memorial service is 240 Southern Boulevard, Chatham Township, New Jersey. A reception will follow at the church and all those who knew her are welcome to attend. A live stream of the service will be available, please contact the family for the link.
