Colleen Dale Johnson, born on May 8, 1951, in Elkton, Maryland, passed away in her Oak Harbor, WA home on August 8, 2024, at the age of 73.
She was a devoted daughter to the late Patricia Ricketts. Colleen grew up in Florida with her siblings, Patricia (T.J.) Lamont, Sharon Metcalf (Jackson), and Mike Miller. Colleen is survived by her son, Cameron (Erica) Johnson, her two grandchildren, and her sister Patricia.
A graduate of Titusville High School, Colleen went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree at University of Florida, Gainesville. She inherited her mother’s sense of independence and adventure – two traits that characterized her entire life. Her first adventure was a solo trip to Australia where she traveled and worked in jobs ranging from office work to giving downhill skiing lessons. She drove a motorcycle whether her boyfriend liked it or not.
In the 80s, she married and started the adventure of motherhood. Together, the family lived in Japan for several years and their travels extended to the UAE, Guam, and more exciting destinations.
After returning to live in Oak Harbor, the couple divorced and Colleen became an active volunteer in the Scouts Program. She attended Scouts activities with Cameron, and later became the Pack Treasurer, a role she played well after Cameron graduated the program. A mind for finance and a heart for service was the hallmark of her good deeds. She also participated as a volunteer tax preparer for the VITA program for many years.
She was not a spender when it came to herself, but her generosity was felt by her friends and family. When Colleen was an empty nester, she opened her home not once, but twice to friends in need, taking them in as roommates for long or short term. For many years, Colleen owned and maintained “The Hall” – a building used for AA meetings. She felt strongly that a dedicated meeting space was essential to their collective success, so she made it happen.
Her son Cameron will always remember their trip through Ireland where they toured her grandfather’s countryside, as well as several cruises – including one where, at age 60, she jumped from a rope swing into a river in Jamaica. Other friends may remember a generous baker of sweet breads and cheesecakes, or an avid dog lover and rescuer.
A gathering to celebrate Colleen’s life will be held on September 1, 2024, at Hastie Lake County Park at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to WAIF in honor of her love for animals.
