Laurel Joy Johnson, of Lee, NH passed away sudden and unexpected early Monday morning September 29, 2025, at the Wentworth Douglas Hospital in Dover, NH. She was 61 years old. Laurel was the beloved wife of Eric J. Johnson. Born in New Bedford, MA she was the daughter of the late Pauline (Lindsay) and Lawrence J. Murphy Jr.
Laurel was raised and educated in Woburn and was a 1981 graduate of Woburn Memorial High School. Following high school and with her love for cooking and food she went on to graduate from culinary school. For the last twenty years Laurel worked as the Executive Chef for Cafe Services Inc. overseeing and managing the corporate dining for Cobham Electronic Solutions in Exeter, NH. Laurel loved to cook and garden, always sharing her culinary delights and the harvested produce from her garden with friends and family. Laurel's greatest joy was her family, and nothing made her happier than to be surrounded by those she loved most, especially her adored grandchildren. She also had a love for animals and enjoyed her time with her cat "Ziva".
Laurel will be fondly remembered for her always upbeat and happy demeanor as well as her never ending selflessness and giving, always putting the needs of others before her own. She will be greatly missed.
In addition to her beloved husband Eric, Laurel is survived by her children, Anthony DiMarzo and his wife Marisa of Hudson, NH, and Lindsay Flynn and her husband Corey of Freehold, NJ. She was the loving grandmother of Mia, Anthony Jr. and Vianna DiMarzo and soon to arrive new baby grandson. Cherished sister of Lawrence J. Murphy III and his wife Christine of Leicester, and Lisa Olson and her husband Al of Woburn, Lynda Corcoran of Conway, NH. Cousin of Jerri-Rose Franz of Jacksonville, FL. She is further survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family members and many dear friends.
A memorial funeral service will be conducted in the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Monday, October 6th, at 2 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arrangements by the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Service of Woburn.