Florence L. (Ineson) Johnson, (Gold Star Mother and United States Navy Veteran of World War II), a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Monday, March 10, 2014 at her home in Charlestown following a brief illness. She was 90 years old.
Florence was born in Weare, New Hampshire on August 20, 1923, a daughter of the late Charles E. (Ineson) and Jessie (Dean) Ineson. She grew up in Charlestown where she was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1942. She enlisted into the United States Navy (Wave) on April 15, 1944 and served her country with pride and courage during World War II. She was discharged on September 26, 1945 with the rank of Seaman First Class. Florence worked for the Boston Public School system for over 10 years as a Teachers Aide at the Kent School in Charlestown. In 1967, Florence and her husband received the unbearable news from the United States Marine Corps that their son Teddy had been killed in action in the Republic of Vietnam. From that day forward, Florence has been a vocal advocate for all Gold Star Mothers in the United States of America and supporter of the many veterans organizations and veterans affairs throughout Massachusetts and the New England area. In 2003, Florence was able to travel to the Republic of Vietnam along with her son Teddy's platoon sergeant and actually visit the sight that her son was killed in action. Florence was past President of The Massachusetts and Rhode Island Gold Star Mothers, member of Abraham Lincoln Post # 11 G.A.R. of Charlestown, Past Commander of American Legion Bunker Hill Post # 26 of Charlestown, Honor Society of Women Legion 20-4, Past President of The Charlestown Lions Club, Mayor of Charlestown from 1990 to 1991, first woman Chief Marshall of Bunker Hill Day Parade in 1986, member of The Old Charlestown Schoolgirls Association and honorary member of The Daughters of Isabella # 1 of Charlestown.
Florence is the beloved wife of the late Lee E. Johnson. She is the devoted mother of Carol Johnson-Mercuri of Charlestown, Beverly Johnson and her husband Richard Leibowitz of Wareham, William Johnson of Charlestown and Ellen of Wilmington, Eric Johnson and his wife Karen of Pembroke and the late Edward "Teddy" Johnson USMC, KIA 1967, Republic of Vietnam. She is the loving Nana Flo to Marc, Melissa, Kiva, Michael, Sheila, Daniel, Brendan, Kevin, Erin and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Ellie, Nicholas and Louise. She is pre-deceased by her 10 siblings and also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Florence's Funeral Service on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 10 A.M. in St. John's Episcopal Church, 27 Devens St. Charlestown. Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mattapan. Florence's visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 14, 2014 from 2 to 8 P.M. in The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Florence's name to The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St. Boston, Mass. 02108.