Cynthia Lee Johnson

Cynthia Lee Johnson

September 2, 1947 – June 5, 2025

Our dear wife, mother, and sister Cynthia (Cindy) Lee Johnson was born on September 2, 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Don and Jean Dehaan (Garden).  She was their first child, followed by Sandra (Browne) in 1948, Patrice (Dirksen) in 1951, and David in 1953.  Cindy was only a few months old when she and her parents moved to Portland, Oregon.  As Don sought to provide for a growing family, they lived in cities throughout Oregon including Tigard, Bend, Ashland, Grants Pass, Medford, Salem, and then again to Portland.  Cindy attended various elementary schools in Bend, and Ashland, and at Riverside Elementary School in Grants Pass.  She also attended Hedrick Junior High School in Medford, Judson Junior High in Salem, and then graduated from South Salem High School in 1965.

As a girl and a young lady, Cindy often listened to her radio and knew the names of all the popular singers and bands.  Several times she won local radio station contests for “the first caller to name that tune and artist”.  Cindy dressed fashionably and was meticulous in styling her hair.

Cindy met Hayden “Butch” Johnson in December, 1965 while attending a Paul Revere and the Raiders concert at the D Street Corral in Portland.  They were married on November 19, 1966. Their first son, Christopher, was born in December, 1966 followed by David in January, 1969.

In 1967, Cindy was trained as a beautician at the Montevilla Beauty School in Portland.  She became good friends with many of her regular customers at Katie’s Salon of Beauty, which later became Susy’s Hair Care, and cared for Christopher and David as they were growing up.

In 1993 Cindy began working as a cashier at the Gateway Fred Meyer store in Portland. It was here that she met Gilbert “Gil” Johnson, who was a frequent customer.  The two dated and then married on June 23, 1994.  Cindy continued working at Fred Meyer until her retirement in 2003.

In 1997 Gil and Cindy purchased a home in Vancouver, Washington where they lived through the end of 2022.  They were active in the Evergreen Bible Church and the Community Church of Vancouver, where Cindy served in the food ministry and volunteered in the church library.  Cindy and Gil shared a devotion to Jesus and together studied their Bibles and learned about God and His desires for them. These were enjoyable years in which sons Christopher and David spent time with Cindy and Gil celebrating birthdays, holidays, and everyday life events.

Gil and Cindy spent most of their time at home, walking in their neighborhood, and running errands together.  Their favorite outing was lunch at the Sweet Tomatoes restaurant in Portland.  Cindy’s sons and siblings are forever grateful to Gil for his steadfast love, care, and devotion to Cindy throughout their almost 31-years of marriage.

In 2022, health care needs prompted family to move Cindy and Gil to the Cherrywood Village Senior Living community in Portland, Oregon, where Gil continues to reside.  We greatly appreciate the kindness and care provided by Cherrywood Village staff during these years.

On June 4, son David had a meaningful conversation with Cindy about their lives together.  The following morning, son Christopher visited Cindy and expressed his love for her.  That evening, sister Patrice and Cindy shared childhood memories that brought smiles to both.  Cindy was then fatigued and prepared to rest for the evening.  With Patrice at her bedside, Cindy breathed her last and fell into the arms of her Savior.  Her family is thankful to God for her life and the joy she shared with us, and we hold fast to the hope and promise of seeing her again.

A memorial gathering in honor of Cindy will be held on Thursday, June 26, 1:15 PM, at the Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Happy Valley, Oregon.  Contact a member of Cindy’s family for further details